Biotech Crop Regulation Based on Sound Science Needed for Myanmar, says Permanent Secretary

During the seminar to launch ISAAA Brief 52 at Yezin Agricultural University, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on August 26, 2017, Myanmar Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI), Dr. Tin Htut, highlighted how biotech cotton introduction in the country benefited resource-poor cotton farmers. Since 2006, Bt cotton was cultivated by an increasing number of farmers, which in 2016 numbered 460,000. Bt cotton areas increased from 500 hectares to 350,000 hectares with US$308 million in benefits in the last 11 years of cultivation. "To continue the enormous benefits, a government regulation based on sound science should be put in place immediately," he said. A regulation based on sound science is being formulated in the country and parliamentarians in the audience raised their support for the challenge put forward by the Permanent Secretary.

ISAAA Board Chair Dr. Paul S. Teng, Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita of ISAAA Southeast Asia Center, and Mr. Bhagirath Choudhary of ISAAA South Asia Biotechnology Center presented the global and regional highlights of the report. Local scientists on the other hand, presented some updates on biotechnology in the country.  

More than 100 participants composed of government representatives, broadcast media, and members of the academe were present in the event jointly organized by MOALI, Agribusiness and Rural Development Consultants, and ISAAA.

For more details about the event, contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org.