Three new durian varieties set to debut in next two years… all thanks to Mardi
Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said the institute is currently evaluating several promising hybrid durians that could lead to new clones.
'We're assessing their suitability for planting in different locations. Apart from Mardi Kuala Kangsar, we're also developing hybrids at Mardi Jerangau in Terengganu. 'The names and codes are still being finalised and will be announced at the official launch,' he told reporters after the Duriotourism programme with the media at Mardi Kuala Kangsar today.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Zabawi said the hybrid MRDI Super 88 (MS88) variety will be rebranded with a more appealing name.
He added that 13,000 MS88 durian trees have been planted nationwide under Mardi's full supervision.
'Some trees are now between two and three years old, so in the next five to six years, they should be ready for wider commercial distribution,' he said. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Penang livestock revenue hits RM1.906 billion with poultry leading growth
KEPALA BATAS: Penang recorded a Livestock Revenue Value (NHT) of RM1.906 billion last year, marking an increase of RM41.54 million compared to the previous year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that poultry and duck products, including meat and eggs, were the largest contributors, accounting for 91.75 per cent of the total NHT. 'The livestock industry remains a vital source of protein for the people of this state,' Chow said during his speech at the opening of the Penang Farmers, Livestock Breeders, and Fishermen Day at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Interim results from the Penang Agricultural Census 2023 showed that the livestock sector contributed 44 per cent of the state's total agricultural sales, valued at RM3.514 billion. Chow emphasised that the Livestock Enactment aims to modernise self-sustaining industries like poultry and pig farming, shifting them toward large-scale, technology-driven operations. The event, held from Friday until today, was also attended by State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol. Chow highlighted the adoption of closed-house farming to improve production quality and environmental sustainability while ensuring support for small-scale traditional livestock farming through the Livestock Industry Development Project. Efforts to control zoonotic diseases remain a priority to safeguard public health and industry sustainability. Chow added that Penang's agricultural strategy aligns with the National Agro-Food Policy (DAN 2.0) 2021-2025, focusing on food security. The state is also developing strategic agricultural parks like Ara Kuda and Mayfield, which utilise advanced farming technology. The federal government's Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) initiative further strengthens the rice industry through 12 key programmes aimed at boosting efficiency and resilience. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
KDM to field ex-Sabah Treasury official in Sabah polls
Former Sabah Treasury official Rusdin Riman is reportedly the deputy chairman of Progressive Insurance Berhad, a general insurance firm in which the Sabah government is the majority shareholder. (Website pic) PETALING JAYA : A former top official at the Sabah Treasury will contest in the upcoming state election representing Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM). KDM deputy president Wetrom Bahanda said former Sabah Treasury permanent secretary Rusdin Riman will be fielded by the party in the Paginatan seat, the Borneo Post reported. 'Although (Rusdin) could not be with us today, his supporters are present and he has contacted me personally. 'Rusdin will be joining our fight for Paginatan,' Wetrom was quoted as saying. Rusdin is reportedly the deputy chairman of Progressive Insurance Berhad, a general insurance firm in which the Sabah government is the majority shareholder. The Paginatan seat is currently held by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) vice-president Abidin Madingkir, who is also an aide to chief minister Hajiji Noor. Abidin won the seat with a majority of 1,323 votes in a nine-cornered contest in the 2020 state polls. At the time, STAR had gone up against Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Upko, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah. STAR and PBS have signed a pact for the upcoming state polls to avoid seat clashes, while the two parties are also part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition along with Gagasan Rakyat, LDP, Usno and PCS.
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
‘RM5 a meal' eatery among 7 Rafizi plans for social change
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli said he and his team have already found the necessary partners and assets for the social enterprises to start. (Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has launched seven social enterprises under his 'Ayuh Malaysia' platform, including an eatery in Pandan Indah selling food at under RM5 a meal. The Pandan MP said the seven enterprises will commence operations in September, adding that he and his team have already found the necessary partners and assets for the initiatives to start. Besides the 'Kesum' eatery selling breakfast, lunch and dinner for under RM5, there will also be a sundry shop named 'FlexiMart' using the 'refill' concept. This concept involves the sale of goods without single-use packaging, with customers buying what they need by 'refilling' their own containers instead. 'We will also try to offer the installation of solar panels on roofs for low-income families, through the 'Suria' social enterprise in Petaling Jaya,' he said at the launch. Rafizi will also introduce a 'SagaSivik' civic education programme in Setiawangsa and a training initiative dubbed 'CLIB' in Ampang to prepare youths and undergraduates for the job market. Another initiative is called 'PinjamGajet'. It is based in Selayang and offers youths training on repairing laptops and smartphones, while the gadgets are then rented out to low-income households for as low as RM10 a year. The former economy minister will also introduce the 'TanamDuit' social enterprise in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, which seeks to encourage modern agriculture on abandoned land. Rafizi previously said these social enterprises were another way of bringing change to society and local communities, outside of politics. He said 'Ayuh Malaysia' would operate differently from profit-oriented businesses and donation-reliant NGOs by empowering local communities to conduct economic activities that are both effective and self-sustaining.
