Govt forms advisory board to tackle overdependence on imported seeds
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Seed Council (MBN) Advisory Board, comprising various experts, was among the key decisions made at the MBN meeting chaired by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today.
In a Facebook post, Mohamad said other important decisions included appointing the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) as the lead agency for the National Seed Hub; developing pure lines of local broiler and layer chickens; and commercialising the 'Ayam Saga' breed.
The meeting also discussed the Mafriwal 2.0 dairy cattle breed recovery programme, as well as freshwater prawn seed production under the Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBC) and the Shrimp Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC).
"Malaysia still depends heavily on imported seeds, including 90 per cent of vegetable seeds and RM2.7 million worth of watermelon seeds. This is a major challenge we must address together for the future of national food security.
"This seed security agenda is not only crucial for the agri-food industry, but also forms the backbone of national sovereignty and security. We need to produce high-quality, resilient local seeds that can meet the needs of our people," he said.
He added that the implementation of the National Seed Security Agenda could help Malaysia achieve self-sufficiency in the local seed sector.
"This isn't just about agriculture; it's about sovereignty and the future of the nation," he said.
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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt forms advisory board to tackle overdependence on imported seeds
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Seed Council (MBN) Advisory Board, comprising various experts, was among the key decisions made at the MBN meeting chaired by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today. In a Facebook post, Mohamad said other important decisions included appointing the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) as the lead agency for the National Seed Hub; developing pure lines of local broiler and layer chickens; and commercialising the 'Ayam Saga' breed. The meeting also discussed the Mafriwal 2.0 dairy cattle breed recovery programme, as well as freshwater prawn seed production under the Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBC) and the Shrimp Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC). "Malaysia still depends heavily on imported seeds, including 90 per cent of vegetable seeds and RM2.7 million worth of watermelon seeds. This is a major challenge we must address together for the future of national food security. "This seed security agenda is not only crucial for the agri-food industry, but also forms the backbone of national sovereignty and security. We need to produce high-quality, resilient local seeds that can meet the needs of our people," he said. He added that the implementation of the National Seed Security Agenda could help Malaysia achieve self-sufficiency in the local seed sector. "This isn't just about agriculture; it's about sovereignty and the future of the nation," he said.
The Sun
19 hours ago
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National Seed Council forms advisory board for seed self-sufficiency
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Seed Council (MBN) has formed an advisory board to strengthen Malaysia's seed self-sufficiency, addressing the country's heavy reliance on imported seeds. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced the decision following a council meeting today. The advisory board will include experts to guide seed development initiatives. Key resolutions from the meeting include appointing the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) as the lead agency for the National Seed Hub. Efforts will focus on developing pure-line local poultry breeds, commercialising the Ayam Saga chicken, and revitalising the Mafriwal 2.0 dairy cattle programme. Mohamad highlighted Malaysia's dependence on imported seeds, with 90% of vegetable seeds and RM2.7 million worth of watermelon seeds sourced from abroad. 'This is a major challenge for national food security,' he said in a Facebook post. 'Seed security is not just about agriculture—it's about sovereignty and our nation's future.' The council also discussed freshwater prawn seed production under the Nucleus Breeding Centre and Shrimp Broodstock Multiplication Centre. Mohamad stressed the need for resilient, high-quality local seeds to reduce import reliance. 'The National Seed Security Agenda is crucial for long-term food stability,' he added.
Barnama
a day ago
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National Seed Council Forms Advisory Board, Pushes For Seed Self-Sufficiency
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the National Seed Council (MBN) Advisory Board, comprising various experts, was among the key decisions made at the MBN meeting chaired by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today. In a Facebook post, Mohamad said other important decisions from the meeting included mandating the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) as the lead agency for the National Seed Hub; efforts to develop pure lines of local broiler and layer chickens and the commercialisation of the 'Ayam Saga' breed. The meeting also discussed the Mafriwal 2.0 dairy cattle breed recovery programme and freshwater prawn seed production under the Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBC) and Shrimp Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC).
