MAFS TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES TO FACILITATE HYBRID PADDY SEED PRODUCTION - ARTHUR

YAN, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) will streamline matters and procedures, to expedite the production of hybrid paddy seed varieties, to help increase yields.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the ministry is continually seeking ways to enhance the efficiency of rice production, in line with the National Agrofood Policy and the target of achieving an 80 per cent rice self-sufficiency rate by 2030.

“We will hold discussions with Koyan Utama Sdn Bhd (KUSB), relevant agencies and departments under MAFS, and researchers from China, at the end of this month, to introduce new hybrid paddy seeds aimed at increasing the rice planting cycle to four times a year.

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“Based on these discussions, we will determine the next steps... but we want to make the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) the pioneer for this project as Kedah is predominantly a rice-producing state. Therefore, it is appropriate that we choose MADA for the test plot of the project," he told reporters today.

Earlier, Arthur presented grants, totalling more than RM1.1 million, to 61 MADA entrepreneurs selected through three program scopes: Change Upgrade Product (CUP), the Young Agropreneur Grant (GAM), and Agrofood Mechanisation and Automation.

Previously, KUSB chairman Dr Ammar Hassan said that his company, in collaboration with a Chinese company, will soon launch a pilot project to plant hybrid paddy four times a year, in Perlis and Kedah.

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He noted that, based on the project's study, the initiative could yield between eight and 10 tonnes of rice per hectare, thereby boosting rice production in the country and increasing the income of farmers.

Meanwhile, when asked about the use of unregistered pesticides by some farmers and gardeners, Arthur said that monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Agriculture is ongoing, as the use of pesticides on food products directly impacts consumer safety.

“The ministry also plays a role in ensuring food safety. We want to make sure that all food items are safe for consumption. If any parties violate regulations or laws related to consumer safety, they can be prosecuted.

“As for pesticides, there is a registration procedure which includes laboratory studies, safety studies, and so on. Only those certified as safe will be given certificates and approval for use,” he said.

-- BERNAMA