Mardi to expand R&D at its plant factory 15 May 2021 / 10:05 H. Pix for representational purpose only. SERDANG: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) is set to expand research and development (R&D) at its plant factory on several aspects such as energy efficiency and alternative energy, mechanisation and the Internet of Things (IoT). MARDI Senior Research Officer Mohammad Abid Ahmad said prior to this, they had conducted R&D on production systems, crop agronomy management, crop lighting, biological factor management, zero waste management, market research and product value chain. “As the factory enters its fourth year of operation, we (Mardi) find that various R&D can be carried out from monitoring the vegetables grown here.