MYANMAR must build its own capacity for overseeing the introduction of genetically-modified food products, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, U Ohn Myint, said in Yangon earlier this month.

The introduction of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) would require rules, regulations and specifications aimed at protecting the national interest in such areas as health and biodiversity, U Ohn Myint said.

He was delivering the opening address at a consultation workshop which considered suggestions for a proposed national bio-safety framework.

More than 100 people from government ministries and institutions attended the workshop, held at the MiCasa Hotel on July 6.

U Ohn Myint said more than 167 million acres of GM crops were grown throughout the world. China was one of the major GM crop producers.

“Similarly, some of our ASEAN neighbours have already started testing and using GM soybean, maize and cotton as pilot programs in their countries.

Sooner or later they will be introduced into Myanmar in many forms, such as seeds and food products,” U Ohn Myint said.

The secretary of a project to plan the introduction of GMOs, U Aung Kyi, said the framework was due to be completed in November.

It would focus on regulating the flow of GM products into Myanmar and maintaining the country’s biodiversity, said U Aung Kyi, an assistant director at the Department of Agricultural Planning.

The United Nations Environment Program provided US$180,000 for the 18-month project, which began in June last year, he said.

The project is aimed at safeguarding human and animal health, protecting the environment and promoting safe agricultural and industrial practices and involves 10 ministries, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation playing the lead role.

UNEP regional consultant Dr Inez Slaet told the workshop GM crops had many advantages, including higher yields, better quality and the ability to tolerate a range of weather conditions.

“Every GM crop could not be said to be dangerous. They have to be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the gene and the crops. GM crops which are legally imported were considered to be safe,” Dr Slaet said.