PETALING JAYA: The latest edition of “Rice Check”, a comprehensive guide aimed at optimising rice field management in Malaysia, has been issued by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi). Mardi has introduced 58 rice varieties, with MR 297 being a standout choice due to its ability to yield up to eight tonnes per hectare, among other attributes. He said this variety dominates nearly 50% of the agricultural area in Peninsular Malaysia, especially in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) and the Integrated Development Agricultural Area (Lada) Penang. In tackling the issue of weedy rice, Mardi had introduced the WRFree® SOP, significantly reducing weed infestation during wet-seeding rice systems. Dr Mohd Syaifudin said that Mardi’s ongoing efforts included setting up showcase plots utilising seven of its rice crop-related innovations.

Source: The Star January 02, 2024 02:11 UTC