-Assess the regional priorities and niches for enhancing corn production and productivity

-Share experiences and latest knowledge on cutting edge corn technologies among the corn research and development community

-Develop an innovative and impact oriented regional strategy and road map through access to and accelerated adoption of resilient technologies, market opportunities, networks, investment priorities and policy guidelines

PERAI, Penang, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- In recent years, with new concern about the large dependence on imported grain corn, MARDI has taken an initiative to start research on grain corn to transform the industry.

The conference was launched by Hon. Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry, (MOA). Also present at the event was Hon. Datuk Dr. Mohd Roff Mohd Noor, Director General of Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI); representatives from the ASEAN Region; District Agricultural Department, officers and other industry players.

“Malaysia has targeted to produce 1.44 million metric tonnes of grain corn, covering 80,000 ha by 2032. Nonetheless, there are obstacles and challenges ahead especially when we have to face a global situation that is increasingly competitive such as world’s free trade, climate change, and sustainability development goals such as zero hunger and so forth. Thus, it requires a robust, concerted effort together with strong networking and collaboration across all parties and agencies involved in this industry.” mentioned Hon. Tuan Sim Tze Tzin. 

Led by MARDI, Malaysia’s main government body for R&D in agriculture, this conference aims to deliberate and address productivity issues related to the production of high quality grain for livestock feed. It will also encompass related areas for deliberation where plant scientists and stakeholders can share new knowledge and exchange the latest information on the different technologies that have been utilised to improve grain corn production at both regional and national levels.

“We believe the input received from this conference will be utilized for the advancement of the grain corn industry, at the national and regional level,” said Hon. Datuk Dr. Mohd Roff Mohd Noor, Director General of MARDI during the launch event.

Field experts and technical personnel from MARDI and other speakers provide a various aspects of grain corn disciplinary and guidance including; Agronomy and Breeding, Plant Physiology and Growth, Pest and Disease, Post-Harvest and Feed Processing, Biotechnology, Mechanisation and Water Management, Quality and Safety, Economy and Policy; and Feed Formulation and Nutrition. This intensive knowledge and insights presented not only increases the level of confidence for industry players in grain corn cultivation, but also supports Region’s goal to achieve self-sufficiency for grain corn production. 

Meanwhile, the conference also witnessed the launch of the book titled; Laporan Khas – Potensi Penanaman Jagung Bijian di Malaysia: Pengalaman MARDI.

For more information about the conference, visit: http://rcc.mardi.gov.my 

About Malaysia Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI) 

MARDI is a statutory body that undertakes research in the fields of food and agriculture and agro-based industries. In addition to implementing Research and Development (R&D) projects, the Institute also provides technical service and development of entrepreneurs in the field of food, agriculture and other services in the industry. Technical services are in the form of advisory services, consulting, technical training, laboratory services and quality certification, product and process development and improvement of technology. 49 years after the establishment, farmers and entrepreneurs have adopted the technology that MARDI has successfully contributed to the development of the food sector, agriculture and agrobased industry. This has helped to sustain the agricultural sector as a contributor to the national economy. As an organization with a core business of research in science and technology, MARDI provide expert groups in the fields of the identified needs, and contribute effectively to the corpus of knowledge globally.

SOURCE: MARDI

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Jafni Johari Jiken
Public Relation Officer
Tel: +6016-980 5587
Email: jafni@mardi.gov.my

Name: Hazrul Amry Mohd Noor
Tel: +6012-484 0672
Email: amry@mardi.gov.my 

--BERNAMA