Salahuddin launches ‘Mutiara Merah’, ‘Mutiara Wangi’ rambutan clones
SINTOK: Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub yesterday launched two new rambutan clones, named ‘ Mutiara Merah’ and ‘Mutiara Wangi’ .
The clones, which are the result of research by the Malaysian Agricultural Research Development Institute ( Mardi), are more shady with thick and sweet flesh and would bear fruits much earlier than other popular clones.
“They can bear fruits in two years and I think this will give a lucrative income for farmers,” said Salahuddin after launching the new clones and opening the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation at Sintok Mardi here yesterday.
Also present was Mardi director- general Datuk Dr Mohamad Roff Mohd Noor.
Salahuddin also hoped that the country’s rambutan industry would be more competitive so that the local fruit could become one of the major exports in the future. — Bernama