According to Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, padi farmers in Sekinchan who have adopted the locally-developed NMR152 seed have seen a significant increase in yield ranging between 20% and 60% since its introduction. This particular padi seed, launched in 2021, has demonstrated enhanced resilience against extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. Farmers have found the seed to be cost-effective while delivering higher yields.
Minister Chang highlighted that the NMR152 variety, developed by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, has gained popularity due to its ability to withstand adverse weather. He mentioned that during his visit to an NMR152 yielding site at HMN Sdn Bhd, he observed the positive impact of the seed on productivity. The ministry is set to collaborate with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry regarding the allocation of the new seed quota to farmers.
Currently, the distribution of these seeds to padi farmers nationwide stands at an average of 10% to 20%. The aim is to increase this percentage to potentially reach 30%. In Selangor, around 24% of padi farmers have already adopted the NMR152 seed. Discussions will also be held to organize sandbox projects with the goal of accelerating the development and distribution of NMR152 to address food security concerns in Malaysia.
Datuk Mansor Mohd Nor, the managing director of HMN Sdn Bhd, noted that the average padi fields in Selangor cover about 18,000ha, with 3,000ha to 4,000ha currently utilizing the NMR152 seed. Farmers can expect an extra yield of eight to 10 tonnes per crop on average. Dr. Sobri Hussein, a senior research officer from Nuclear Malaysia, emphasized the importance of proper care and management of padi fields in achieving higher yields, including considerations for soil types.
Moving to Langkawi, Mada chairman Datuk Dr. Ismail Salleh mentioned that Kedah’s padi fields remain unaffected by the El Nino phenomenon. Despite facing hot weather conditions, half of the crops have been harvested, with the remainder expected to be completed before the new planting stage in June. El Nino typically impacts padi during the initial 60 days of planting and the pollination stage, but measures have been taken to ensure sufficient irrigation to mitigate any dry spell effects on the upcoming planting stage.
Mada has implemented rotational irrigation strategies tailored to the specific needs of rice cultivation in different regions based on crop phases to maintain water supply. Farmers have been advised to use water efficiently and reduce wastage to support sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
