logo
New padi varieties MR CL3 and MR4 combat weedy rice in Malaysia

New padi varieties MR CL3 and MR4 combat weedy rice in Malaysia

The Sun14-07-2025
PASIR SALAK: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has unveiled two new padi varieties, MR CL3 and MR CL4, to address the persistent issue of weedy rice in Malaysia.
Developed through a 20-year collaboration between MARDI and BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, these varieties promise higher yields and better resistance to common diseases.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted the benefits of the new strains during the launch at the FELCRA Berhad Seed Centre.
'MR CL3 and MR CL4 mature in just 99 days and can produce over seven tonnes per hectare,' he said.
These varieties are also resistant to leaf and neck blast diseases, making them suitable for KPKM initiatives like the five padi planting seasons in two years and the SMART SBB programme.
The commercialisation of these padi varieties will follow the Clearfield Production System, which includes specialised herbicides and stewardship guidelines to manage weedy rice effectively.
'These varieties are bred to withstand imidazolinone herbicides, ensuring better control over invasive weeds,' Mohamad added.
Weedy rice, locally known as 'padi angin,' is a major agricultural challenge, often reducing crop yields significantly. The introduction of MR CL3 and MR CL4 aims to mitigate this issue while enhancing productivity for farmers.
The event also saw the inauguration of the new Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) Complex in Seberang Perak, marking another step in modernising Malaysia's agricultural sector. - Bernama
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Five-season padi planting in Kedah to boost rice self-sufficiency
Five-season padi planting in Kedah to boost rice self-sufficiency

The Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Sun

Five-season padi planting in Kedah to boost rice self-sufficiency

JERLUN: The Five-Season Padi Cultivation Programme in Kedah's Muda Area is set to transform Malaysia's rice industry, reducing import dependency and strengthening self-sufficiency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. Anwar emphasised the programme's significance, stating it aligns with the government's commitment to empowering local farmers and ensuring sustainable harvests. 'This initiative is very close to my heart. Therefore, rapid implementation and effective coordination are very important to increase the capacity of local rice farmers and ensure more sustainable harvests,' he said. The Prime Minister urged the Kedah state government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to collaborate closely for the programme's success. He reiterated the MADANI government's dedication to supporting farmers, calling them the backbone of the agro-food sector. During a working visit to the project site in Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, Anwar reviewed infrastructure upgrades, including irrigation and drainage systems. The project, implemented through a Public Private Partnership, integrates modern technology to enhance productivity. The Muda Agricultural Development Board (MADA) stated that the initiative aims to reform the rice industry, increasing self-sufficiency and reducing climate-related challenges for farmers. The RM1 billion project includes irrigation upgrades and dam rehabilitation. - Bernama

PM wants priority on '5-season in two years' padi project in Kedah
PM wants priority on '5-season in two years' padi project in Kedah

New Straits Times

time7 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

PM wants priority on '5-season in two years' padi project in Kedah

JERLUN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Kedah government to act swiftly to ensure the success of the "Five Cultivation Seasons in Two Years Padi Planting" Initiative. Anwar said the initiative in the Muda region was close to his heart and required prompt execution and effective coordination to ensure more sustainable yields. "I call on the state government and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to move quickly and work in a coordinated manner to realise this vital agenda," he said in a statement after a work visit to the infrastructure development site in Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, here today. Present was Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Anwar expressed confidence that the government's efforts would catalyse a holistic reform of the country's padi and rice industry ecosystem, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the national rice self-sufficiency level. "The Madani government listens to the voices of our farmers, understands their needs, and is committed to continuously empowering the sector through sustained support and various initiatives," he said. Anwar added this initiative reflects the government's compassion and determination to uplift farmers, who are the backbone of Malaysia's agri-food sector. In February, Anwar told Dewan Rakyat the government had approved RM1 billion for Mada to boost padi production in Kedah. According to Mada, the large-scale agricultural effort, implemented through a public-private partnership, integrates smart farming technologies to support higher productivity and long-term sustainability in the rice industry. "This initiative is a catalyst for reforming the national paddy and rice sector. By enabling five planting cycles within two years, we aim to boost self-sufficiency levels while enhancing the income of local farmers," it said in a statement. The development consisted of two main components. The first involves the construction and maintenance of 15 tertiary irrigation blocks. The second focuses on the rehabilitation of Pedu Dam under Phase One. The overall allocation for both components is estimated at RM1 billion.

MIER: Lower RON95 price will ease cost of living and support economy
MIER: Lower RON95 price will ease cost of living and support economy

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

MIER: Lower RON95 price will ease cost of living and support economy

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to lower the price of RON95 will help ease living costs and support the economy, said Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi. He said the government is addressing one of the public's most pressing concerns – transport and fuel costs. 'The government's consideration will be, like anything else, they will look at what are the biggest needs of the people today. In a way, they're doing it right ... and looking at this,' he told reporters at Brown Bag Talk titled 'A Journey Through the Looking Glass: Towards Future-Proofing Malaysia's Food Security today. Effendi said the government will try to give as much as they can afford without affecting the national budget overall. 'I think it's always a balance of government. I think they're doing their best. Honestly, at least they have a good intention.' Former MIER chairman Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob also welcomed the move, saying it would provide relief for many Malaysians. 'This will help many by reducing transportation costs. Real income will improve, and this is good for the general public.' When asked whether the fuel price reduction might affect the national budget, Sulaiman said the impact should be assessed holistically. 'Whether it's a cost or a benefit, if the outcome is positive for the economy, then it's ultimately good for the budget as well.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Wednesday that the price of RON95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre for eligible motorists from RM2.05 per litre currently while fuel subsidies are rationalised. Anwar said it will benefit around 18 million motorists, including youths as young as 16 and gig economy workers. The prime minister added that full details of the RON95 subsidy mechanism would be announced by the end of September. 'When the RON95 subsidy rationalisation takes effect, Malaysians will enjoy a lower fuel price of RM1.99 per litre,' said Anwar. On a separate matter, Effendi said Malaysia must reassess its growth priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan based on current global trends. 'I think agriculture and food security will be a priority,' he said. The sector, he added, has been on the national agenda since the 1970s, but now needs to be re-prioritised as a key national focus. 'It's time to turn this into a real national agenda. It's a major opportunity for Malaysia.' Effendi said beyond addressing food deficits and import bills, Malaysia has the potential to become a global food producer – similar to its success in palm oil and rubber – by leveraging its expertise, institutions such as Mardi, and modern agricultural technologies. 'If we've done it with palm oil and rubber, we can do it with food production. But we need a strong, comprehensive modern agriculture plan,' he added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store