MOSTI To Bring Technology To Grassroot Level

KOTA MARUDU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry wants to bring technology to the grassroot level to help farmers and rural communities improve their productivity and increase their income.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said as an example, for his Kota Marudu constituency, the ministry with the support from the Agriculture Department was applying technologies to plant better corn varieties from Taiwan and Guang Dong in China, to replace the less superior local hybrid.

The corn varieties from Taiwan and Guang Dong were more responsive to organic fertiliser, climate conditions, less susceptible to pests and diseases and took a shorter period to harvest.

He said it was hoped that this measure would stimulate the maize industry, as maize is widely planted in the district.

Speaking to reporters after launching the two-day annual Pesta Jagung, a highlight of Kota Marudu, here Sunday, Dr Ongkili said the corn varieties had proved to be well received by consumers as they were sweeter and bigger in size.

The ministry, he added, would also assist farmers in the processing aspects to add value to their corn products, through the various technologies made available by its agencies.