PREAMBLE
The Green Economy Green Growth, GEGG (not for profit) Association
< www.geggmyanmar.org > as an input to the AIGE (ASEAN Institute for Green Economy), organized the Green Fruits Dedicated Workshop, 22 to 26 March 2018 in Yangon
The Welcome address was given by U Aung Naing Oo, Director General, Directorate of Investment and Company Administration DICA, Ministry of Planning and Finance and the Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission, MIC; U Zaw Min Win, President, UMFCCI, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, .
The Keynote Speech was given Dr. Tin Htut, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.
The Final Agenda is in Attachment 1. All power point presentations by the speakers are being collated in a folder and will be uploaded in the GEGG website by mid-April.
The Opening Session was covered by the media that included MRTV, Skynet TV, Myanamr Framers TV and Myanmar Times.
Skynet TV, returned on the last day for follow up interviews with UK and Myanmar speakers..
Twenty high caliber multi-disciplinary Speakers and Discussants from Government Ministries, Research Departments, Universities, private sectors and four UK academia and practitioners were speakers. The Speakers and Resource Persons affiliations are listed in Annex 2, as well as in the Final Agenda.
The Green Fruits Dedicated Workshop was by design intentionally limited in participation, and by invitation only, to encourage and facilitate free and frank discussions and sharing of knowledge.
The Field visit was to two orchards in Bago Region.
The Group of Speakers and Resource persons was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of Shwe Myanmar Orchard , with over 200 hectares growing primarily mangoes and at the Oway Orchard , 500 + hectares, by the owner who is also the President of the Myanamr Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables Producer and Exporter Association, The Association has over 45,000 small, medium and larger growers.
There was free, franks and lively discussion on Policy, Strategy, Technology and Practices and the challenges and opportunities confronting Myanmar growers
The Green Fruits Dedicated Workshop is an immediate follow up to the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy, AIGE Inception and Implementation Meeting, 6 to i8 Feb 2018,in Nay Pyi Taw.
With the British Embassy Yangon support, Professor Michael Jeger, Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Investigator, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London was a speaker in the Session Improving Green and Blue Sustainability and Productivity
Professor Jeger highlighted the opportunities of Greening Horticulture and Fruits.
This initiated the convening of the Green Fruits Dedicated Workshop.
The website < geggmyanmar.org > is uploaded with the Final Agenda and Summary Highlights of the AIGE Meeting, as well as the Message of H.E Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and
H.E U Myint Swe, Vice President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
PURPOSE OF THE DEDICATED WORKSHOP
The Workshop was specifically dedicated to
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
The Important Role of Horticulture and Fruits
The Opening Session Welcome Address by U Naing Oo, mentioned the new modernized Myanmar Investment Law, that replaced the century old Companies Act, with a number of reforms and is simplified. The committed aim is to attract more investments for the sustainable development of Myanmar.
Agriculture and its related services are included in the investment promoted sectors. Fruit growers and investors can enjoy income tax exemption based on their investment location. According to Notification No 10/2017, issued by the MIC, the Less Developed Region is specified as Zine 1; Moderate Developed Region as Zone 2; and Developed Region as Zone 3.
Income tax exemption may be granted to investment projects in Zone 1 for a period of 7 consecutive years, including the year of commencement of the business; in Zone 2 for a period of 5 years; and in Zone 3 for a period of 3 years.
Agriculture and its related services and the value added production of agriculture products are one of the prioritized areas and applications by fruit growers and investors are given priority.
For small holders to easily access to the provisions of MIC, the new investment law is decentralized to the States and Regions for investments of USD 5 million or below. Foreign investors may lease land either from the Government, governmental organizations or private sources for 50 years with a consecutive period of 10 years extension up to two times. The MIC can grant a longer period for the right to lease land under the Law, to investors who invest in lease developed and remote regions.
Pivotal changes in the agricultural sector are land issues and insufficient infrastructure in which the Government is tackling to overcome through improvements of legal framework and emphasis on promoting private sector investment.
U Aung Naing Oo, highlighted the opportunities of the agricultural sector in Myanmar: a vast area of fertile land, abundant water resources, and diverse climate. The land in the country is still uncontaminated with pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Organic farming has long been rooted across the nation. This can and should be amplified and upgraded by eco-friendly and sustainable ways. Traditional agricultural economy needs to be transformed into a productive and sustainable agro-economy , for example with better irrigation, better quality seeds, decreased postharvest loss from farm to fork and an expanded value change management system.
In accordance with the new Investment Law, the MIC is not only a regulator but also a facilitator and promoter of investment, particularly the agriculture sector due to the important role it plays in the social and economic deployment of the country
U Aung Naing Oo, in his previous responsibilities with the Ministry of Commerce, initiated the Myanmar Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers Growers and Exporters Association.
He is well aware of the significant potentials and opportunities of the economic, social, health, nutrition, employment, jobs, livelihoods, and ecological benefits of green fruits.
He concluded the Welcome Address by saying. “It is often said that a good beginning is half the work. The initial steps of the GEGG would be a success. I believe together with all the stake holders, the objectives will be achieved. I look forward to hearing he good suggestions from the participants”
The Welcome Speech by U Zaw Min Win, President of the UMFCCI, Union of Myanamr Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with Members that include the MFVFGE
U Zaw Min Win, emphasized Agriculture and Horticulture plays a very important role in the economy and development of Myanmar and cited the 2016 Agricultural Sector Policy and Thrusts for Second Five year Term Plan, “About 70% of the population in Myanmar resides in rural area and agriculture is their ways of livelihood. While the agriculture sector contributes 30% of national GDP, both the benefits that are gained from farming as well as the socio –economic status of farmers are extremely” The Plan also included “Support for the development and value added processing industry using primary products of agriculture, livestock and fishery sector, and find ways so as to successfully compete well in the international markets.”
Green fruits bring many direct and quick – impact benefits such as social, cultural, health, wellness, economic and ecological to farmers and consumers.
The global trend of consumers for healthy, safe and green fruits is also growing and so is in Myanmar, particularly in Yangon. There are increasing number of shops advertising and selling green produce.
For Myanmar agriculture and horticulture to be competitive in the regional and international market place, it is imperative this sector also transit quickly to green and clean, to support the Thrust of the Second Five Year Plan.
Green, clean and sustainable concept, policy, strategy and practice were strongly advocated at the recent ASEAN Institute for Green Economy, AIGE Inception and Implementation Meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw 6 to 8 Feb 2018.
H.E Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor Message stated “It is clear that we must pursue a different path moving forward. This will enhance our resilience to climate change, resolve environmental challenges, while creating new economic opportunities and jobs. “
H.E U Myint Swe Vice President Inaugural Keynote stated “Realizing that economic development cannot be sustained without protecting the environment, ASEAN countries have committed themselves to protect and promote the environment. With this concept in mind, “A clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanism for sustainable development by 2020” is set as our common goal.”
And further more added “AIGE is an innovative foundation to share information and experiences, ways and means and promote dialogue among member countries and Development Partners towards the vision of clean and green environment of our ASEAN region.”
Green Horticulture and the Role of Fruits in Myanmar Dr. Tin Htut , after his Key Note , Chaired and introduced the Session on Green Horticulture and the Role of Fruits. He exceptionally participated extensively for two days and contributed with insights and deep knowledge to all the sessions with policy, management and technical advice on all the components of the green fruits value chain. .More information on key stake holders and who is doing what analysis are To expand and increase green fruits, commensurate marketing , commercializing , investments, research and training are needed.
Current situation of fruit production in Myanmar, the presentation by Prof Dr. Khin Thida Myint, Head, Department of Horticulture, Yezin Agricultural University, mentioned Myanmar is geographically and climatically suitable for tropical and subtropical fruit crops. The ten top fruits in Myanmar in terms of production area are: mango, cashew nut, pineapple, jujube plum, tamarind tee, lemon and lime, orange, durian, pumelo, and custard apple.. Mango and cashew nut are by far the highest among these top 10. Cashew nut area remains stable for the continuous 8 years when mango has an increasing trend in area of production.
Mango has the highest volume. As a whole, yield of many fruit remains almost the same for each year. The yields observed reflects the need of systematic orchard management.
According to 2012 data, among the top 10 fruits of Myanmar average yield of cashew nut and orange were higher than world average based on data availability
Banana that needs to be included due to its production, consumption and market and for religious and social affairs particularly for Myanmar.
Generally, there is no remarkable volume for fresh horticultural commodities but through border trade, where some fruits are recorded for the borderat Muse point. According to the data of MFFVPEA, there were 7 fruits which went into china market with increasing volume for all the fruits except for banana.
China, Singapore and Thailand are big major markets for horticultural commodities, and fruits such as mango. However, poor postharvest operation and quality assurance are main hurdles for the fruit sector.
There is the imperative need for the Myanmar horticulture and fruit sector to transit towards green cultivation and production for the ASEAN and global market.
Myanmar Horticulture is at Stake
Factors limiting horticulture development are:
Opportunities towards Green Fruit Industry
Ways forward
Current Situation of Fruits Production, Research and Future Prospects in Myanmar
was presented by Dr. Win Naing, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) Yezin.
Mango germplasm conservation and Characterization
Current Research Activities and Knowledge Sharing
In efficient in spraying
Dangerous for operator
Difficult to bagging, harvesting
Nutrient Management
“Plant Breeding, Physiology; Weed, insect and pests control; Crop rotation; Application of Traditional Knowledge and Practices, Fusing state of the art science, technology and traditional knowledge” was presented by Dr. Saw Hto Lwe Htoo, Department of Horticulture, Yezin Agricultural University
Breeding of Potential Crops
Plant Protection Approaches
Design, Practices and Improvement
“Certification and Implementation of Organic Fruits” was presented by
Dr. Than Than Sein. Visiting Professor, Biotechnology Dept , Mandalay Technological University
Founder of Myanmar Organic Grower and Producer Association, Head , Institute of Environment Resources and Development. The processes are
To assure integrity and quality
Examples of geographical indications
Sein Ta Lone is the best due to:
Glycaemic Index Values of Myanmar Mango and Banana Fruits was presented by
Dr. Nway Htike Maw, Research Scientist, Experimental Medicine Research Division and
Dr. Moh Moh Hlaing, Deputy Director, Nutritional Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports
Plasma Glucose Concentration (mmol/L)
Men± SD
0 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glucose | 6.14±0.9 | 8.15±1.1 | 8.8±1.6 | 7.73±1.3 | 7.5±2.1 |
Phee-Kyan | 6.7±1.1 | 9.0±1.5 | 7.3±1.1 | 7.11±1.9 | 6.76±1.6 |
Rakhin | 6.87±0.9 | 8.64±1.2 | 8.21±1.0 | 6.56±1.1 | 6.15±1.2 |
Thee Hmwe | 6.87±0. | 7.77±1.4 | 8.17±2.3 | 6.5±1.6 | 5.95±1.4 |
Efficient, Sustainable and Resilient Agronomy. Highlights of presentation by Professor Mario Caccumo, Managing Director, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Kent, UK
“We cannot meet the challenge of the food security agenda by producing food tomorrow, the way we produced food yesterday. We have to innovate
Short term goals
Long term goals
Crop Science & Production Systems
The leapfrog model
“A blank canvas for green horticulture”
A leapfrog to a low-carbon, low-input, sustainable green horticulture.
Key drivers
Exploiting stress signals
New technologies
Biotic constraints in Myanmar
Bacterial diseases in Myanmar
Biological control
Conservation biological control (Kenneth W. McCravy)
Inductive (augmentation)
Resource use efficiency
Water
Fertilisers
Light
Labour
Harness Digital Revolution
The fruit and vegetable supply chain was presented by Prof Ben Bennett, Professor of International Trade and Marketing Economics, Deputy Director, Natural Resources Institute, Director of the NRI Postharvest losses Reduction Centre, Director of Research and Enterprise, University of Greenwich, UK. He posed the question: Is there a triple bottom line from “Green” Fruit?
Markets and marketing – key concepts
Green Morocco Plan (GMP)
Lessons
Policies: pulling the right levers – good and bad?
Spill-over: wider economic benefits and how to measure them
Certification – pros and cons : Many different types – very market specific
Water, energy, soil and chemicals
Water: scarcity and pollution
Soil degradation and loss
Solutions – Irrigation, water
Solutions – energy
Solutions – chemicals
Solutions – soils: nutrient and carbon management
Food safety and quality management – some policy issues
Recommendations for multi-year work programme
Market research – what do your target market really want?
Weed, insects and pests control and crop rotation in Myanmar”
Highlights of Presentation by Dr Lara Vickers, Harper Adams University Crop and Environment Science Department, Newport, Shropshire
Myanmar Pests and Weeds
Mango case study; Phillipines (and India)
Education and Regulation Issues in Myanmar
Integrated Pest Management
The philosophy behind the IPM approach is to create unfavorable conditions for pest buildup by enhancing crop vigor and by protecting natural enemies that aid in controlling pest populations.
Planning in advance is vital for IPM to succeed
IPM involves combining practices such as:
Mixed and Inter cropping
Benefits = mix N fixing legume crops to enhance soil fertility, wind barrier, microclimate manipulation, improved weed control, improved habitat for natural enemies and potential for a trap crop
50% reduction in insect pest populations
Reduction of 60% in monophagous pests, 30% in polyphagous pests (Andow, 1991)
Cons = Specific choice for the agri-system, labour intensive
Key Messages
“Transforming Greater Mekong Food Systems: Bridging Food Systems and Rural Livelihoods” was presented by Dr. Richard friend, York University, York, UK, and Greater Mekong Food Systems Hub
Transforming Greater Mekong Food Systems: context
Transforming Greater Mekong Food Systems: the challenge: a sustainable food system pathway
Rural Livelihoods
The future of rural livelihoods
Food in the SDGs
Applying a food systems approach – a business approach that is increasingly influential
“Unpacking the Food System” Recognizing a “Complex Adaptive System’
WP Mapping & Intervention Points
Transforming Greater Mekong Food Systems: the Hub
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS
Focused on Green Fruit Industry Development
Biotechnology and Information Technology assisted Green Fruit Industry
Sustainable green fruit development technology
Value Chain Development and Production Economics
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GREEN FRUITS DEDICATED WORKSHOP WERE CLUSTERED INTO THE FOLLOWING ISSUES
Ecological and Ecosystem Benefits
Policy Instruments for decision makers
Economic Tools
Innovation, transformation and translational technology and management Platform
for increased cooperation, e.g
Awareness, Education, Training, Capacity building on greening of horticulture, beginning with fruits
THE NEXT STEPS
Drawing upon the presentations and discussions of the Dedicated Workshop, an expanded Group of Speakers and Resource Persons would
The narrative for the Documentary is expected to be available by May and the video in 2018.
The draft multi-year Collaborative Work Programme, will be proceeded by a Workshop of Consortium Partners , for ownership, agreed outcomes, and collaborative implementation process and time line, during the second half of 2018