PUTRAJAYA, March 11 — The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) is working to enhance the resilience of padi seeds to withstand the unpredictable weather in the country.
In a statement today, Nuklear Malaysia said its research team had started research to produce a new padi variety, IS22, in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara.
It said the agency also receive technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency and Japan Atomic Energy Agency under the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia platform.
“Nuklear Malaysia has been proactive in finding various improvement methods using the nuclear technology and always take action in regard to global climate change issues,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob asked the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) to focus on producing two varieties of padi seeds that can give high yields with quality.
To produce such varieties, Nuklear Malaysia said its research officer is conducting a study at the Doctorate level to obtain flood-resistant padi seeds using the advanced backcross method on the IS21 variety with flood-resistant and early maturing varieties.
Apart from that, the agency is also conducting research on the production of drought-resistant padi seeds using traditional fragrant black padi which is expected to be completed this year.
“This study may take several years and require research funds before a potential variety can be developed for farmers’ use,” it said.
— Bernama
