LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has unveiled a new high-quality chilli variety called Cili Mardi, which is disease-resistant and capable of higher yields.
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said the chilli was developed through the crossbreeding of two selected genotypes which is MC 11, previously produced by Mardi, and a variety from Thailand.
"Mardi has conducted over 10 years of research to create this new chilli variety, proven to be resistant to anthracnose (fungal disease), a major adversary in chilli cultivation in the country.
"This variety has the potential to help Malaysia reduce its reliance on chilli imports from Thailand, China, and Vietnam," he said during a press conference at the Mardi Agro-Technology Park in Langkawi today.
Isham said the new variety is adaptable to various soil types and climates, with a high yield potential of at least two kilogrammes per plant or 20 to 30 tonnes per hectare within five to six months.
"In Malaysia, the cultivation area for chilli has grown from 3,020 hectares in 2019 to 3,464 hectares four years later, while production increased from 27,631 tonnes to 33,131 tonnes annually.
"Although the data shows an increase in chilli production, the country's dependence on imports remains high—around 70 per cent or 83,000 tonnes in 2022. Therefore, expanding chilli cultivation is crucial," he added.