Genetically Modified Maize Successfully Completed in Dak Lak Province

Genetically modified (GM) maize showed higher yield, excellent corn quality and insect resistance compared to the non GM maize plants grown in the same conditions, said the Central Highlands Agro-Forestry Science and Technology Institute (CASTI) director Le Ngoc Bau in a seminar on 16 August in Dak Lak province.

Maize was the first GM crop experimentally grown in Vietnam which may produce up to 10 tons per hectare, double the yield of other maize varieties at low input costs. Maize is presently cultivated in Dak Lak province at 140,000 ha, the second most popular crop after coffee. However, due to natural disasters and diseases, maize productivity only reaches 4-5 tons per hectare. Bau said that the growing of GM maize will help farmers reduce production costs and gradually improve their living standards. In the agricultural and rural development program of the country, biotechnological application in agriculture has been implemented since 2006 and will run till 2020. Vietnam is expected to produce GM maize for cattle feed in 2012.

The seminar was jointly held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Central Highlands Agro-Forestry Science & Technology Institute (CASTI) and the Dekalb Vietnam Co., Ltd in Buon Ma Thuot City to improve public awareness of GM maize.

For details, see the news at http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Genetically-modified-maize-successfully-tested/20118/20316.vnplus.