THE Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) is working to enhance the resilience of padi seeds to withstand the unpredictable weather in the country.

In a statement today, Nuklear Malaysia said its research team has started research to produce a new padi variety, IS22, in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara.

It said the agency receives technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency and Japan Atomic Energy Agency under the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia platform.

“Nuklear Malaysia has been proactive in finding various improvement methods using nuclear technology to address the global climate change issue,” the statement read.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob tasked the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) to focus on producing two varieties of padi seeds that produce high yield quality.

To produce these varieties, Nuklear Malaysia said it is conducting studies to obtain flood-resistant padi seeds using the advanced backcross method on the IS21 variety with flood-resistant and early maturing varieties.

Apart from this, the agency is conducting research on the production of drought-resistant padi seeds using traditional fragrant black padi which is expected to be completed this year.

“This study may take several years and require funding before a potential variety can be developed for commercial use,” it said. – Bernama, March 11, 2022.