Exporting Maize Silage to China: DOA Provides Training For GAP To Maize Farmers

Maize silage export market in Kachin State is providing good prices for local farmers.

The market commenced last year under the MOU, signed between the Department of Agriculture and China.

In order to meet the criteria of the products, the department provides training to the farmers for producing quality crops.

The Department also issues the GAP certificates for the farmers who cultivate maize, who follow the good agriculture practices.

Head, Department of Agriculture, Kachin State, Htay Lwin said “After signing MoU between China and our department for maize silage export, farmers and company staffs were conducted the training under the supervision of our department to cultivate maize with the use of GAP system, not to contain any grass and viral diseases which include in the contract and issued the GAP certificates.I want to urge the farmers to follow GAP system, to eradicate pests systematically and follow the cultivation techniques.”

Farmers from Ta Law Gyi  village-tract inMyitKyiNa are engaging in maize cultivation through Contract Farming system. At present, about 200 acres of maize plantations are cultivated in the village.

Head, Department of Agriculture, Kachin State, Htay Lwin said “A company in MyitKyiNa bought maize from the farmers of Ta Law Gyi village.And then, made maize silage and packed them with the use of machines, exported to China from Kanpaiti border gate.”

By exporting farming products to abroad many job opportunities could be created for locals while achieving wider market and good prices. So far, 300 tons of maize silage were exported to China market.