Latest news with #MalaysiaKenaf2
The Star
28-04-2025
- Science
- The Star
Two new kenaf varieties with higher yields developed
KOTA BARU: Two new varieties of kenaf, a plant with numerous industrial uses, have been developed in Malaysia that have higher yields and are more climate resilient, say two government agencies. Named as Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), the two varieties were developed by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). Dr Rosli Darmawan of Nuklear Malaysia explained that the seeds of MK1 were exposed to 300 Gray (Gy) of gamma radiation, while Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) received 800 Gy, a process known as induced mutation, to enhance their agronomic traits. Both MK1 and MK2 produce significantly higher yields compared to the V36 variety, which has been planted for over 15 years in Malaysia, said Rosli, Nuklear Malaysia's director-general. 'Field trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plantation in Perlis recorded wet stem yields ranging between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20% to 60% compared to the V36's current yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare,' he said in a statement, Bernama reported. The new strains also have distinctive physical features. For instance, the flowers of MK1 have pale yellow petals and palmate leaves, which facilitate identification and field management. Both varieties have been officially registered with the Agriculture Department, he added.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Malaysia launches new kenaf seed varieties to boost resilience and yield
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has launched two new kenaf seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and stronger resilience against climate change. The new varieties, namely Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), were launched by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at a hotel here today. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan. Speaking to reporters later, Rosli said MK1 and MK2 are the result of research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 produced through exposure to a 300 Gray (Gy) dose and MK2 at 800 Gy. "The induced mutation technique was employed to enhance the agronomic traits of kenaf, making the plants more climate-resilient and capable of producing higher yields. "MK1 and MK2 demonstrated significant yield improvements compared with the parent variety V36, which has been used in Malaysia for over 15 years," he added. He said trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plot in Perlis showed that the estimated fresh stalk weight ranged between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare — an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared with the current V36 yield of between 20 and 25 tonnes per hectare. "Beyond the superior yield potential, both varieties exhibit distinctive physical traits, including palmate-shaped leaves and, in the case of MK1, fully light yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable in the field. "MK1 and MK2 have received official recognition through the approval of the New Plant Variety Filing (PVBT) from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filing numbers PVBT 003/25 (MK1) and PVBT 004/25 (MK2). "The 'MK' designation stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing local identity in the effort to empower the national kenaf industry," he added. Rosli said the development of these new varieties aligns with the objectives of the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which promotes the application of nuclear technology in non-energy sectors such as agriculture and biotechnology to support socio-economic progress and national sustainability. The initiative also supports the goals of the National Agri-Commodity Policy (DAKN) 2021–2030 to strengthen the country's agri-commodity sector through science and technological innovation. "This strategic collaboration highlights the potential of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly in developing more resilient and productive crop varieties, in line with government efforts to bolster food security and sustainable farming amid climate change challenges. "The Malaysian Nuclear Agency remains committed to advancing nuclear technology for the benefit of the people, industry, and national economy. This approach not only broadens the peaceful use of nuclear technology but also strengthens public confidence in its contributions to daily life, particularly in the areas of food security, health, and environmental sustainability," he added.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kenaf industry lacks full ecosystem, govt to learn from Bangladesh and China
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah KOTA BARU: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said today the government plans to send the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) board of directors to kenaf-exporting countries to study the crop's processing methods and related industries. He said the move, part of a five-year plan, would provide justification for LKTN to remain the lead agency to develop the kenaf industry. "If a commodity does not have a successful ecosystem, it will not succeed. Kenaf still does not have a complete ecosystem. Furthermore, the land currently planted with kenaf is small — about 1,600 hectares. "To succeed in the kenaf industry, we need strong support, particularly in terms of land, processing factories, and a clear target for the types of products to be produced from kenaf," he added. Speaking to reporters after launching two new varieties — Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) here today, Johari said kenaf has the potential to be turned into many different products, but success would require specific skills. "Without the necessary skills, it will be difficult. I have made several suggestions to the Kenaf Board, including learning from the success stories of palm oil, rubber, and cocoa — commodities that have become major national exports. "One of the suggestions is to send LKTN's board of directors to countries such as Bangladesh and China, where kenaf production and processing are more established," he added. Johari said Bangladesh and China mainly focus on simple kenaf processing but have successfully built strong industries around it. "Kenaf has not yet reached the level of palm oil, rubber, or cocoa, so we need to learn more to develop and promote the industry. "Through these visits, we can understand the processes and skills involved and adapt them locally," he said. Johari added that the ministry is awaiting a presentation from the Kenaf Board's director-general before finalising the visit plans. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
New climate-resilient kenaf varieties developed with nuclear tech
KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has unveiled two new climate-resilient kenaf seed varieties developed using gamma irradiation, offering higher yield potential and improved resilience. Nuklear Malaysia's director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan explained that the seeds of Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) were exposed to 300 Gray (Gy) of gamma radiation, while Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) received 800 Gy, a process known as induced mutation, to enhance their agronomic traits. Rosli highlighted that both MK1 and MK2 have demonstrated significantly higher yields compared to the V36 variety, which has been in use for over 15 years in Malaysia. "Field trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plantation in Perlis recorded wet stem yields ranging between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared to the V36's current yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare," he said in a statement today. Beyond their productivity, the new strains have distinctive physical features. MK1, for instance, features pale yellow petals and palmate leaves, which facilitate identification and field management. Both varieties have been officially registered by the Agriculture Department, he added. Rosli noted that the project also aligns with the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 and the National Agricommodity Policy, which prioritise innovation and non-energy applications of nuclear technology in sectors like agriculture and biotechnology. He said the effort underlines the broader potential of peaceful nuclear tech in advancing food security and sustainable farming. Rosli said Nuklear Malaysia remains committed to democratising nuclear technology through innovative solutions that directly benefit the public, industry and the national economy. Keywords: New Malaysia Agriculture Department Malaysian Nuclear Agency National Kenaf And Tobacco Board National Agricommodity Policy National Nuclear Technology Policy Lktn's Beseri Related Articles Economy 25 minutes ago Kenaf industry set to thrive for over five years with strategic planning Crime & Courts Mar 3, 2025 @ 3:59am Company CEO, director charged with advertising illegal 'kenaf' investment scheme Nation Feb 5, 2025 @ 8:26pm Govt refines plans for National Ruminant Board to boost industry resilience Nation Dec 8, 2024 @ 3:39am Mardi introduces new chilli variety
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Science
- The Sun
New climate-resilient KENAF varieties developed with nuclear tech
KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has unveiled two new climate-resilient kenaf seed varieties developed using gamma irradiation, offering higher yield potential and improved resilience. Nuklear Malaysia's director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan explained that the seeds of Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) were exposed to 300 Gray (Gy) of gamma radiation, while Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) received 800 Gy, a process known as induced mutation, to enhance their agronomic traits. Rosli highlighted that both MK1 and MK2 have demonstrated significantly higher yields compared to the V36 variety, which has been in use for over 15 years in Malaysia. 'Field trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plantation in Perlis recorded wet stem yields ranging between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared to the V36's current yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare,' he said in a statement today. Beyond their productivity, the new strains have distinctive physical features. MK1, for instance, features pale yellow petals and palmate leaves, which facilitate identification and field management. Both varieties have been officially registered by the Agriculture Department, he added. Rosli noted that the project also aligns with the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 and the National Agricommodity Policy, which prioritise innovation and non-energy applications of nuclear technology in sectors like agriculture and biotechnology. He said the effort underlines the broader potential of peaceful nuclear tech in advancing food security and sustainable farming. Rosli said Nuklear Malaysia remains committed to democratising nuclear technology through innovative solutions that directly benefit the public, industry and the national economy. 'This approach not only widens the peaceful use of nuclear technology, but also boosts public confidence in its role across food, health and environmental sustainability,' he said
