PM LAUNCHES TWO NEW PADI VARIETIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH MAHA 2010

SERDANG, Malaysia, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak launched two
new padi varieties - MR253 and MR263 - in conjunction with the opening of the
Malaysian Agriculture and Agrotourism (MAHA) 2010 international exposition at
the Malaysian Agro-Exposition Park here Saturday.

The two new varieties are special strains that are hardy and able to produce
higher yields.

The MR253 variety not only can give higher yields but can also be grown in
problematic soils like in peat swamps and soil that is acidic.

The seeds of the variety are also of very high quality while the plants are
pest-resistant.

As for the MR263, its main feature is that it is resistant to disease.

The two varieties will be replacing the MR219 and MR220 strains which are
currently in extensive use in the country at present.

Also present was Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, Noh Omar.
-- BERNAMA