In the last week of 2015 RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) and Naktuinbouw signed an agreement aiming at the improvement in the coming three years of the seed sector in Myanmar. This cooperation is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Netherlands and Myanmar on food security which was signed in May 2015.
The program is worth almost € 315.000. For this amount Naktuinbouw is assigned by RVO to contribute to a better investment climate in the Myanmar seed sector. The funding is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of Minister Ploumen’s ‘from aid to trade agenda’ for Myanmar.
Agriculture in Myanmar is not well developed yet, with many smallholder farmers that can barely sustain their own families. The development of agriculture requires a general approach. The development of a vibrant and active seed sector is crucial in this process.
Well functioning systems
At the moment it is difficult for farmers to obtain good quality seed and starting materials. This hampers productivity and further economic development. There is no functioning system (seed law, plant breeders’ rights, inspection and certification) in place, so attempts to provide farmers with better seeds are not sustainable. Foreign investors and the establishment of public private partnerships could play an important role in revitalising the seed sector, however at the moment there is no protection on investments.
Co-operating organisations
Actions are planned to improve the seed sector where Naktuinbouw, in cooperation with WUR/CDI (Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation), Plantum, the Board for plant Varieties, the to be opened embassy in Yangon, and other partners will carry out projects to assist Myanmar in this development. In addition to breeder’s rights under the MoU Netherlands and Myanmar are a.o. working on a phytosanitary regulatory framework and integrated pest management.
For more information
Naktuinbouw
Kees van Ettekoven
RVO
Thomas van Luijtelaar
Private Sector Development Coach Myanmar