Biotech Updates

Vietnam to Plant GM Corn in 2011

October 15, 2010

Initial results of the experiments on genetically modified corn in the northern and southern regions were presented in a seminar in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bui Ba Bong, said the project showed that genetically modified corn can adapt to the weather and land in these areas. It also showed that the corn is resistant to pests and could help Vietnam reduce its imports of maize for making animal fodder. Vietnam produces between 1.1-1.2 million tonnes of maize a year while it needs 1.5 million tonnes. The genetically modified corn will be planted on large scale from 2011, if it passes a final test, said Bong.

Le Huy Ham, Director of the Agricultural Genetics Institute also informed the participants that various species of genetically modified plants have been grown worldwide for 16 years, with a current acreage approaching 126 million ha. Vietnam also plans to grow genetically modified cotton and soybean by 2013-2014.

For details, see the original article at http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Vietnam-to-plant-geneticallymodified-corn/20109/12369.vnplus