Seed Sector Development: "Myanmar Seed Sector Development" workshop held

The "Myanmar Seed Sector Development" workshop took place on July 15, at the Assembly Hall of the Union Minister's Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation in Nay Pyi Taw.

During the workshop, Union Minister U Min Naung delivered an opening address. He highlighted that while domestic production and imports currently ensure seed sufficiency for agricultural operations, in the long term, it's crucial to develop the domestic seed production industry.

This is essential to adequately meet the country's diverse seed needs, given its varied water, land, and climate conditions, and to seize opportunities in the gradually expanding global seed market, especially within regional countries.

He urged accelerating and continuing efforts in domestic seed production. At the workshop, Dr. Ye Tint Tun, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, presented on the importance of Myanmar's seed sector development. Relevant experts discussed the seed law, regulations, current implementation, international cooperation, and best practices in seed sector development.

They also covered Myanmar's seed research and the identification of new varieties. The Chairman of the Myanmar Seed Association and officials from the private sector presented on the private sector's role in Myanmar's seed sector development, the challenges they face, and difficulties related to seed business.

A farmer also shared insights into the challenges farmers face in accessing and using good quality and pure seeds. During the group discussions, participants were divided into four groups to deliberate on seed law and policy, seed production and quality, seed distribution and marketing, and seed research and development. Group representatives then presented their discussion outcomes. Following this, a panel discussion on "Myanmar Seed Sector Development" featured collaboration between seed experts from the Ministry and the private sector.