Hybrid enemy: The Clearfield strain has cross-bred with the weed-like ‘padi angin’ variety, a pest in the rice fields, making it resistant to the herbicide used by farmers.
The special strain, which took seven years’ research and a grant of RM1.2mil to develop, is now a flop.
Instead of solving the problem, it amplified it, no thanks in part to greedy farmers.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
