Malaysian Nuclear Agency promotes wider use of MNR 152 padi seeds

MELAKA: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency is promoting the adoption of the NMR152 mutant rice variety among farmers to boost crop yields.

Malaysian Nuclear Agency Agrotechnology and Biosciences Division director Dr Azhar Mohamad said the padi seeds of this variety have demonstrated high and stable yields in various environments. They are well-suited for cultivation in different soil series, especially in problematic soil areas.

“Normally, these problematic soils yield less than one metric tonne. However, using NMR152 padi seeds and following proper planting techniques, crops can achieve yields between 40 and 60%.

“In the context of rice production in padi fields, employing high-quality seeds through nuclear technology, specifically using gamma ray-induced mutation breeding methods, can result in yields of nine to 11 metric tonnes, as opposed to the usual five to seven metric tonnes,” he told reporters on Friday (Oct 27).

Earlier, Dr Azhar attended the Targeted Promotion Programme Series 3 officiated by the State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication chairman, Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan. Also present were Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan and the agency’s Technology Commercialisation Division director, Dr Rasif Mohd Zain.

Meanwhile, Fairul Nizam said he plans to discuss with the State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, to leverage nuclear technology by expanding the NMR152 padi seed in Melaka.

“This helps control food prices long-term, giving significant advantages to people. I hope Melaka can become competitive in agricultural development, and agricultural commodities can achieve 100% self-sufficiency through market-driven agri-food approaches,” he added.- BK