Myanmar to Strengthen Plant Biotechnology R&D and Biosafety Regulatory System
February 26, 2014| |
Myanmar's Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, H.E. U Myint Hlaing stressed the importance of adopting the appropriate modern technologies including biotechnology in development of crop production in his address during the agriculture seminar on the Global review of commercialization of biotech/GM crops 2013. The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MOAI) in collaboration with the National Social and Economic Advisory Council (NSEAC) and ISAAA in Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital city of Myanmar on 24 Feb 2014.
Understanding the importance of biotechnology in agricultural development, Myanmar established the plant biotechnology laboratory in 2001 in Yangon region to enhance research activities in plant biotechnology. The plant biotechnology laboratory was henceforth upgraded to Plant Biotechnology Center in 2009 with newly trained technical staffs and laboratory facilities. The Plant Biotechnology Center performs various important activities including the release of improved crop varieties, DNA finger printing, and GMO analysis on imported agriculture crops and issuing non-GMO certification.
"Given the limitation in current activities in plant biotechnology, we have to extend the research activities of plant biotechnology in near future of which strengthening of technical capacity and human resource development is crucial", said the agriculture minister. He further elaborated the need and called on the global society to extend support, technologies and technical know how to improve plant biotechnology R&D and sustainable agriculture production in the country. "Although potential benefits of Bt cotton are large in the country, the scientific capacity to maintain the generation and to access biosafety of GM crops is still needed. In addition, the evaluation on their work, regulatory capacity for safe deployment and legal system need to be strengthened," pointed the Minister.
For more information about the status of biotech in agriculture in Myanmar, visit Myanmar's Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation at: http://www.moai.gov.mm
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