KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 27 - Felda plans to develop 20,000ha of marginalland in its schemes to cultivate herbs.The land mainly located in deep valleys and swamps had been left idle formany years as it was unsuitable for oil palm.

Felda chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor said Felda hoped to tap the bigmoney in the industry which was estimated to be worth RM20 million.

"If the land is found suitable for herbs then it will provide a new sourceof income for Felda settlers," he said at a Hari Raya function here today.

A pilot project on herbs is being carried out in Felda Tekam, Jerantut inPahang since early this year.

Around 200 herbal species, including the Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah andDokong Anak were planted on the 80ha land at the Felda scheme.

Another 120ha of marginal land at other Felda schemes in Pahang have alsobeen identified as suitable for herbs.

A factory will also be set up soon at Felda Tekam to process the herbsinto herbal remedies and fragrances.

Yusof said the authority had also set up a company known as Felda HerbalCorporation Sdn Bhd (FeldaHerbs) to take charge of all herbal activitieson Felda land.

The corporation, formed in April this year, would be conducting researchand development activities, introducing proper cultivation techniques tosettlers and ensuring that herbs were sold at market value.

It will be launching its first herbal product next month.