MARDI Introduces Two New Fragrant Rice Varieties

PASIR SALAK, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) today introduced two new fragrant rice varieties in line with rising demand for fragrant rice of quality with high health values for the people in the country.

Its chairman, Dr Azman Ismail said the new varieties are MRQ 107 and MRQ 111, which are expected to benefit farmers and local specialty rice consumers and strengthen the national padi and rice industry.

Research on both varieties has been conducted since 2010, and they possess aromatic, colour, nutrition and quality features that add value, he said.

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"Both varieties can achieve a harvest of over five metric tons per hectare with good management, and MRQ107 can be harvested between 112 to 115 days after planting, while MRQ 111 can be harvested within 116 to 118 days after planting.

"In addition, both varieties have a high resistance against rice blast and are suitable to be made into parboiled rice, which allows them to be targeted to consumers who prioritise healthy diets,” he said in his speech during the introduction of the new varieties, which was officiated by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang here today

During the media conference after the introduction, Rubiah said that MARDI entrusted the Seberang Perak FELCRA to produce seeds for both varieties, with a harvest involving 2.4 hectares of padi fields and that her ministry aims to have 10 per cent of the 3,400 hectares under Seberang Perak FELCRA planted with both new varieties.

“In addition, Felda Global Ventures has expressed its commitment to begin planing MRQ 111 commercially. With these varieties, we can diversify our rice sources and what’s important is that it helps reduce fragrant rice imports,” she said.

During her speech at the introduction ceremony, Rubiah said that the new varieties introduction as special rice was part of the strategies outlined in the AgroFood Policy under the rice subsector and could bring benefits in the future.

-- BERNAMA