By Sulaiman Jaafar

KOTA BARU, MALAYSIA - A local company is set to market a South American plant that can be used as an alternative sweetener.

Stevia, a herb with a refreshing flavour that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar, has been used by the natives of South America as a sweetener for centuries.

Japanese manufacturers have used Stevia rebaudiana to sweeten pickles and other processed foods since the 1970s.

Research has also shown the possible benefits of stevia in treating obesity and high blood pressure.

And because it has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels, it is suitable for use by diabetics.

Kelbio Industries has been cultivating the plant here since 1997, and introduced its first products in September.

The company has come out with three types of stevia tea: original, strawberry and garlic, and plans to introduce a sweetener soon.

Kelbio manager Nazli Idris said he became interested in the plant after researching it on the Internet.

He felt it had great potential, especially in Kelantan where diabetes is common.

He and his partner, Abdul Mutalib Daud, cultivate stevia on a 1.5-ha plot in Bachok.

"Stevia plants have insect-repelling properties as well. We grow them organically," said Nazli.

The plants can be harvested after three months, and they produce about a tonne of dried leaves per hectare.

He said in Japan, stevia is made into food and health supplements and also used in cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste and other products.

The company is now promoting its products through expositions and trade exhibitions, besides giving samples to diabetics.

"Once the demand for the products picks up, we hope to introduce stevia plants for contract farming especially to tobacco growers in Bachok.

"These farmers have to turn to other crops because of the weak demand after the Asean Free Trade Agreement is enforced next year."

--NST