A relatively small group of Kentucky farmers could help the people of Africa fight a life-threatening disease. It was just one topic discussed during a meeting of the Kentucky Tobacco Research Board Monday.
In addition to a major emphasis on “harm reduction” when it comes to use of tobacco, the Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center also focuses on alternative crops. During his report, KTRDC Director Ling Yuan (YOU-ahn) talked about World Vision Denmark and it’s request for the plant artemisia (arr-tuh-MEE-zhuh) to use in a medicinal tea.
“They’re goal is to supply the African people with cheap effective products that will treat malaria, which is a serious disease in Africa,” said Yuan.
Yuan said the initial request for Kentucky growers would be minimal, probably only a couple hundred acres with the hope that need could grow over time.
“We hope that this will expand to more from them and from other companies. So, that’s one of our missions to support Kentucky growers and to use new product to replace tobacco,” said Yuan.
The board also heard a report on evaluating cured leaf for tobacco research. And it discussed the KTRDC’s involvement with the University of Kentucky’s Cannabis Center.
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