Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L., Malvaceae) Research and Development Advances in Bangladesh: A Review

Abstract

Kenaf originated in India and Africa the plant is best grown in tropics and to some extent in sub-tropics. In Bangladesh, Kenaf is now a promising new fibre crop. Around 0.08-0.09million tons of kenaf produced in the country from 0.04 million hectares of land. The secondary data of kenaf used here were collected from different studies like national and international annual reports, thesis, books and journals during from January to July 2019. The plants are herbaceous annuals; growing to a height of even 5 m. There are some Kenaf varieties of bnagladesh, HC-2, HC-95, BJRI Kenaf-3(Bot Kenaf) and BJRI Kenaf -4 (KE-3). The commercial success of kenaf has important potential economic and environmental benefits in the areas of soil remediation, toxic waste cleanup, removal of oil spills on water, reduced chemical and energy use for paper production, greater recycled paper quality, reduced soil erosion due to wind and water, replacement or reduced use of fiberglass in industrial products, and the increased use of recycled plastics. In Bangladesh day by day demand of kenaf fibre is increasing. Kenaf uses in fibre, forage, paper pulp and also where kenaf is grown in home gardens, the more tender upper leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten either raw or cooked. Kenaf fruits have significant medicinal properties, very high in vitamin-C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. It’s seeds are a good source of fat slouble antioxidants. In future research to be continued for searching kenaf varieties tolerance to problem soil; tolerance to diseases and pests; having small seed size with long duration of seed viability and smoothness and indehiscence type of kenaf fruits.