India, Myanmar cooperate on development of agricultural research and seed sector

The Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Tin Htut Oo, which is currently on a visit to New Delhi in India accompanied by Myanmar Ambassador to India U Moe Kyaw Aung, paid a visit on 20 September to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR) that is working in cooperation with the National Seed Corporation (NSC).
The delegation observed the research plantations to acquire the seeds of a variety of beans and pulses which will suit the climate and soil of Myanmar, which will yield in a shorter term, which can bear the brunt of the diseases and have a higher yield and which are big-grained, it is learnt.
Afterwards, Dr A. K. Singh from ICAR and other experts explained at the Dr Swami Nathan Library matters relating to the cooperation between ICAR and NSC, their organizational structure, operational tasks and the potential of cooperation with Myanmar. Additionally, they explained how the National Seed Corporation has merged with private organizations and farmers’ associations to establish the state-owned economic corporation, which is producing the seeds. Next, Union Minister U Tin Htut Oo explained matters in connexion with the development of human resources who are possessed with high performance at the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) under the Myanmar-India Co-operation Programme, the technology for boosting the manufacturing of the agricultural products and the import of post-harvest technology and the technology for manufacturing of the value-added products.
Afterwards, the Myanmar delegation led by the Union minister visited the Bikano company in New Delhi where the value-added products of the beans and pulses were manufactured. At the sale promotion department of the company, the delegation members observed the sale of snacks and curries made from beans and pulses.
On 21 September, the delegation attended a meeting held at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai between the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), the Overseas Agro Traders Association (OATA) and Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seed Merchants Association. At the meeting, IPGA Chair Mr Bimbal Kothari, OATA Chair Mr Shyam Narsaria and Myanmar Ambassador to India U Moe Kyaw Aung discussed matters pertaining to the trading of varieties of beans and pulses between Myanmar and India, India’s demand for beans and pulses, the extension of cultivation of varieties of beans and pulses and ultimately the situation regarding the trading of maize, sesame and oil products.
At the meeting, the Union minister said inter alia that Myanmar would like to sign a quota agreement between the Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Distribution of India under which Myanmar can export varieties of beans and pulses to India so that the prices will be stable for both the manufacturers and consumers of the two countries and that the agreement will last up to 2026. The Union minister has also invited Indian entrepreneurs to come and invest in Myanmar.
Then, Union Minister U Tin Htut Oo, the IPGA Chair and the OATA Chair answered the questions raised by the India CBS. Then, the Myanmar delegation proceeded to JW Marriot Hotel in Mumbai where they met the responsible personnel from Mahyco, Safal and Metahelix companies and discussed matters concerning import/export, research and investment.
The Myanmar delegation arrived back in Yangon on the evening of 22 September.—MNA