Since the quality of seeds is critical for the aim, it is no surprise that the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry (MOA) is giving special focus to technological innovations to boost the supply of good quality seeds in the country. The seed production and breeding programmes are conducted using biotechnology techniques such as hybridisation and marker-assisted selection. Among the MOA’s strategies, platforms and initiatives to improve seed quality and grow the seed industry in the country is a close collaboration with the private sector. Dr Chua is confident that the MOA’s grain corn project will give a good yield once it is rolled out nationwide. Malaysia not only lags behind in the production of seeds but also relies heavily on imported seeds, Agriculture Department deputy director-general Datuk Jabar Shaik Mohedeen points out.

Source: The Star July 31, 2016 00:11 UTC