Mardi to cooperate with Iran’s AREEO to increase paddy yield, chicken production

MELAKA: Chicken breeds and rice seeds are among the 10 research scopes related to agriculture to be conducted between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organisation (AREEO), based in Tehran, Iran.

Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said it was to find suitable chicken breeds and rice seeds to be cultivated in Malaysia and Iran, in addition to increasing rice and chicken production in this country.

“As progress, we have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for a successful rice planting programme where we will exchange rice seeds between Iran and us,” he said.

“At the same time, we will conduct research in terms of the suitability of chicken breeds from Iran to be reared here and then introduce them to the Malaysian market.” He said this at a press conference after attending the National Conference on Agricultural and Food Mechanisation (NCAFM) 2024 in Ayer Keroh Tuesday.

Also present at the event were Mardi Governing Board chairman Dr Azman Ismail and Mardi Engineering Research Centre director Dr Azman Hamzah.

The media previously reported that the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu wanted collaboration in the field of research between Mardi and AREEO to be enhanced, in line with PINTAR’s (Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility) fifth core strategy, which emphasises collaboration.

Among the discussions between him and his Iranian counterpart, Mohamad Ali Nikbakht, were related to the sharing of rice technology and genetics, the Arian chicken breed, tropical fruit research and fisheries.