FARMERS IN PAHANG TO USE NORTH KOREAN TECHNOLOGY TO GROW PADDY

KUANTAN (Malaysia), March 4 (Bernama) -- Farmers in Pahang (an East coast
state in Peninsular Malaysia) will soon be able to use North Korean technology
to commercially grow paddy, after an alliance was formed between North Korea and
Syarikat Sungai Duri Plantations Sdn Bhd.

Sungai Duri Plantations managing director Normala A. Kahar said the
technology acquired from North Korea was used countries like China, Uganda,
Angola and the Philippines successfully.

Normala said five experts from North Korea who would be involved in a
project that covers an area of 263 hectares in Sungai Pelak, Pekan, would
conduct a study and research to help soil enrichment and identify pest that can
be a problem to the growth of paddy.

She added that an area of 60 hectares in Mambang, Pekan had already been
planted with the MR219 type of seeds produced by Mardi and would be ready for
harvest in May.

"The results have been very encouraging and we are optimistic that the
project will be a success," she told reporters after sealing an agreement with
the North Korean government here Thursday.

Normala said through the technology, farmers can reap up to seven tonnes of
paddy per hectare a season.

-- BERNAMA