MARDI will boost ayam saga chicken production to meet growing market demand, with 1.3 million birds produced since 2021 and expansion to Tioman Island.
ROMPIN: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) will expand production of ayam saga chickens to meet growing market demand.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the local chicken breed shows strong market potential.
Since 2021, approximately 1.3 million ayam saga birds have been produced through various initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Among the efforts being implemented is the distribution of ayam saga chicks to interested breeders,” he told reporters after a working visit to MARDI Muadzam Shah.
Mohamad added that breeders can also purchase the birds from parent stock farms.
The ayam saga farming programme will soon be introduced on Pulau Tioman to help fishermen generate income during monsoon season.
This initiative aims to strengthen Malaysia’s free-range chicken industry while supporting national food security.
The minister noted the programme utilises local genetic resources to achieve these goals.
To date, seven breeding farms and strategic partners across five zones are involved in ayam saga production and evaluation.
These farms are located in Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak.
MARDI developed ayam saga through long-term research beginning in 2008 using entirely local genetic resources.
The breed is hardy and suitable for various production systems including semi-intensive and free-range farming.
Ayam saga can also be integrated into oil palm, rubber and fruit plantations.
Market prices for ayam saga range between RM15 and RM25 per kilogramme.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced plans to strengthen Malaysia’s coconut seed industry.
The Department of Agriculture targets achieving 100% self-sufficiency in coconut seeds by 2035.
The National Seed Council also decided to implement domestic production of bawal emas fry.
This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s aquaculture industry through collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and strategic partners. – Bernama
