MORE PROJECTS IN KOTA MARUDU

FOUR INNOVATIVE projects have been identified and approved by the Kota Marudu Parliamentary Agriculture Development Council, Dr. Maximus Ongkili said, after chairing the council meeting yesterday.

"The first project, oyster farming, is on a trial basis at Kampung Tanjung Batu at Marudu Bay. This pilot project would involve 10 fishermen," he said.

The project is a collaboration between a private company using Taiwanese technology and the Fisheries Department.

"The initial trial by the company showed that the project was economically viable and suitable for the Marudu Bay waters,” he added.

The second project, he said, involved 10 farmers in the planting of “Siraj Hybrid” rice that was recently released by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute for planting.

Dr. Maximus said the research and development of hybrid rice varieties, showed that hybrid seeds could produce up to 30 per cent more paddy compared to the commonly used seeds and were also more resistant to common pests and diseases.

“This will enable the farmers to increase their incomes,” he added.

He said to promote sustainable production of hill paddy; the council has approved the planting of unique varieties of rice with coloured grains and scent as they would fetch higher prices besides possessing good nutritional values. (Insight Sabah)