27-04-2025
Malaysia launches new kenaf seed varieties to boost resilience and yield
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has launched two new kenaf seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and stronger resilience against climate change.
The new varieties, namely Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), were launched by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at a hotel here today.
Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan.
Speaking to reporters later, Rosli said MK1 and MK2 are the result of research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 produced through exposure to a 300 Gray (Gy) dose and MK2 at 800 Gy.
"The induced mutation technique was employed to enhance the agronomic traits of kenaf, making the plants more climate-resilient and capable of producing higher yields.
"MK1 and MK2 demonstrated significant yield improvements compared with the parent variety V36, which has been used in Malaysia for over 15 years," he added.
He said trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plot in Perlis showed that the estimated fresh stalk weight ranged between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare — an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared with the current V36 yield of between 20 and 25 tonnes per hectare.
"Beyond the superior yield potential, both varieties exhibit distinctive physical traits, including palmate-shaped leaves and, in the case of MK1, fully light yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable in the field.
"MK1 and MK2 have received official recognition through the approval of the New Plant Variety Filing (PVBT) from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filing numbers PVBT 003/25 (MK1) and PVBT 004/25 (MK2).
"The 'MK' designation stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing local identity in the effort to empower the national kenaf industry," he added.
Rosli said the development of these new varieties aligns with the objectives of the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which promotes the application of nuclear technology in non-energy sectors such as agriculture and biotechnology to support socio-economic progress and national sustainability.
The initiative also supports the goals of the National Agri-Commodity Policy (DAKN) 2021–2030 to strengthen the country's agri-commodity sector through science and technological innovation.
"This strategic collaboration highlights the potential of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly in developing more resilient and productive crop varieties, in line with government efforts to bolster food security and sustainable farming amid climate change challenges.
"The Malaysian Nuclear Agency remains committed to advancing nuclear technology for the benefit of the people, industry, and national economy. This approach not only broadens the peaceful use of nuclear technology but also strengthens public confidence in its contributions to daily life, particularly in the areas of food security, health, and environmental sustainability," he added.
