The variety was developed by PT East West Seed Indonesia, a major player in the country’s seed industry. Locally known as Cap Panah Merah, it specialises in breeding crops tailored to local conditions and consumer demand.
“M72 is a highly stable eggplant variety, resistant to Gemini viruses and bacterial diseases,” said Nugraheni Vita Rachma, the firm’s deputy general manager of breeding.
She added that the company has also developed long bean and chilli varieties that have been stress-tested in extreme weather conditions.
The firm works with more than 7,000 seed production farmers across West and East Java, and supplies seeds to over 10 million vegetable farmers nationwide.
Aside from meeting local needs, it exports overseas as well, with its biggest markets neighbouring Thailand and the Philippines.
“Exports are driven by international demand. So far, we’ve exported nearly 300 tonnes, with water spinach making up the largest share,” said Ch Atik Setyawati, the company’s export-import manager.
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