ACTION AGENDA SEED SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN ... sector should lead the seed sector, and that in the field of quality assurance trusted companies can play an important role. The government

ACTION AGENDA – SEED SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN MYANMAR

14 JUNE, 2017

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK & IRRIGATION

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Introduction: National Seed Sector Platform Meeting

The Action Agenda has been developed during a large public-private gathering in Nay Pyi Taw, on 4 April 2017.

At the meeting there was high-level representation of the government, the private sector and development

partners. The organizations present included: the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture

Research, Department of Agricultural Planning, the National Seed Association of Myanmar (NSAM), the

Myanmar Agriculture Network (MAN), the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank (IFC-WB),

Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), International

Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the

Agriculture Development Support Project (MOALI/WB ADSP). Together the participants agreed that greater

coordination and alignment is necessary between government and support activities. The Action Agenda aims

to divide tasks between support projects and presents a coordination structure for subsequent platform

meetings and monitoring of progress.

The Action Agenda builds on the Seed Sector Road Map that was approved in December 2016. The Road Map

brings together the main policy ambitions of the government in terms of: (1) the enabling environment

(including company legislation, plant variety release, quality assurance, plant breeder’s rights and imports and

exports); (2) public sector development (related to breeding, early generation seed, seed testing and

inspections); (3) private sector development (focusing at infrastructure development, capacity development

and support for local seed production); and (4) seed sector coordination (with respect to the establishment of

a national seed association, regional seed growers association and the seed sector coordination platform). The

full Seed Sector Road Map is available with the MOALI Seed Division, and can be provided on request.

During the National Seed Sector Platform the Director General of Agriculture, Dr. Ye Tint Tun indicated that the

private sector should lead the seed sector, and that in the field of quality assurance trusted companies can play

an important role. The government is ready to support private seed testing laboratories, and the Seed Law

allows for this. Also, in terms of early generation seed production (including breeder seed, foundation seed and

registered seed) the private sector is encouraged to play a more active part.

Coinciding with the first National Seed Sector Platform was the Launch of the Integrated Seed Sector

Development (ISSD) Myanmar Programme by the Myanmar Union Minister of Agriculture and Netherlands

Embassy. The ISSD Myanmar Programme will initially facilitate the Seed Sector Platform Meetings and will,

together with a large number of development partners, support the implementation of the Action Agenda.

Signing ceremony for the ISSD Myanmar programme, between DG DOA, Dr. Ye Tint Tun and the Netherlands

Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Wouter Jurgens

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The Action Agenda

Action Agenda 1: Local seed production & marketing

The Road Map proposes to expand local seed production, especially for crops like rice, oilseeds, and pulses and

beans. This is envisaged through the organization of groups of farmers; enhancing the capacity of larger

individual seed growers and small- and medium-sized domestic seed companies. The group discussed how to

further operationalize this and come up with concrete activities and responsibles.

Challenge Action agenda Roles and timeline

Insufficient volumes of quality

seed produced and marketed,

especially of less commercially

attractive crops and varieties,

like rice, oilseeds, pulses and

beans.

Pilot a number of seed

multiplication models in which

small-scale seed producers

work together with private

seed companies.

Contract farming law to be

finalized and discussed in a

public-private forum

MOALI-DOA, ISSD Myanmar and

NSAM: 3 Pilots started in main post-

monsoon season of 2017

MOALI: Public-Private Dialogue on the

new draft Contract Farming Law

organized in Q3 2017

The lack of a viable seed business model for local seed production was identified as the major constraint for

boosting local seed production and sales. Existing contact farmers are operating at a very small scale and

are scattered around the country. At the moment the Township office has difficulties providing all necessary

support. The solution is to link well-performing seed producers to private seed companies. A precondition

for sharply increasing local seed production, is that DOA and DAR stop certified seed production and

stimulate private seed companies to take up that role. Apart from ISSD Myanmar other projects can support

this agenda as well, like LIFT and ADSP.

Challenges Action agenda Roles and timeline

Limited quality assurance (QA)

services available for seed

growers

Development of an alternative

certification system for local

seed production

MOALI-Seed Division together with

support of IFC – from Q3 2017

onwards

There is limited staff and inadequate capacity available at the seed testing laboratories, both in terms of

human resources and physical infrastructure. At the same time the demand for QA services is increasing.

Alongside the regular certification system an alternative system will be developed: either Quality Declared

Seed (QDS) or Truthfully Labelled Seed (TLS). This will be done in close collaboration between the

government and the regional seed growers association, with support from IFC Myanmar.

Challenges Action agenda Roles and timeline

Scientific evidence on

difference in economic value

between quality seed of

improved varieties and farm

saved seed of local varieties

Proving the business case and

providing transparency for each

crop commodity, on the added

value of quality seed of

improved varieties

Seed farm or seed company together

with research (DAR) with support of

ACIAR; Q3 2017 onwards

The business case on quality seed will create clarity on the added value of using certified seed of an

improved variety compared to farm saved seed of a local variety. Undertaking this economic analysis and

sharing it within the research and extension system, as well as with the private sector, can significantly

increase seed production and marketing.

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Action Agenda 2: Stimulating private investment in the seed sector

The Road Map covers a number of issues with respect to private sector investment. These include the

enhancement of the capacity on seed production and quality assurance. The Road Map proposes greater

attention for the inclusion of specific labor market requirements in the curricula of Yezin Agricultural University

and the State Agricultural Institutes. In addition, investments need to be made in the infrastructure of seed

companies in production technology (mechanization), cleaning, drying and storage. These investments are

needed across the board; both for domestic and international seed companies.


There are a number of

regulatory complications with

respect to obtaining the import

permit (esp. on phyto at the

moment); producing seeds and

exporting

The laws, regulations and

procedures on import and

export need to be clarified and

made consistent. PVP Law and

regulations need to be brought

in compliance with UPOV 91

MOALI with support of IFC and NSAM

to review the import and export

procedures; PVP Law and Regulations

to be strengthened through NL

Naktuinbouw Project 2017-18

The biggest issue at the moment is of phytosanitary nature. This includes the Pest Risk Analysis

requirement. But also for exports (e.g. of rice) clearer regulations are required. In addition to these specific

seed related regulations, other general investment related issues are an obstacle for investments in seed

production; these include: obtaining land and permits for construction. Better collaboration between

government agencies (e.g. MOALI and MIC) is required here.


Illegal imports of seed: no

taxation, no import permit, no

variety registration (with cheap

prices)

Need to develop action plan to

stop illegal imports of seeds

(and other inputs) through

more and stricter (risk based)

inspections, and work on

creative solutions with scratch

cards and public campaigns

MOALI with support of IFC and NSAM

to develop an action plan (to be

presented at Seed Platform Meeting of

April 2018)

By the private sector this is seen as one of the biggest problems at the moment. It is estimated that Shan

State alone imports 2.000 tons of hybrid maize seed illegally per year. The problem goes beyond seeds, and

is experienced by the entire agro-input sector (including pesticides and fertilizers); a concerted effort is

required.


For producing seed within

Myanmar land needs to

become available and major

investments are required in

seed infrastructure

Incentive package for domestic

production of seed in terms of

land, tax incentives and loans

for investments

MOALI, IFC, JICA, UNOPS-LIFT; specific

projects to support Myanmar seed

companies. MOALI offers land through

seed farms (JV or otherwise); Q3 2017

and onwards

These aspects affect the overall competitiveness of seed production in Myanmar. Especially the land issues

were emphasized. Not only the land as such, but also the designated function of the land. Some companies

pulled out of seed production because it was easier and cheaper to produce in neighbouring Thailand. With

the above package of land, finance and tax incentives this can be overturned.

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Action Agenda 3: Ensuring complementarity between DOA and DAR seed activities

The Road Map gives some directions on the envisaged task division between the Department of Agriculture

(DOA) and the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR). The Road Map identifies that a specific distinction

needs to be made between the DAR seed farms focusing on varietal development, agronomic research and

promoting the uptake of varieties; while the DOA seed farms should aggressively work on the multiplication of

varieties into sufficient quantities of foundation and registered seed. Group 3 discussed how to further

operationalize this and come up with concrete activities and responsibilities.


Lack of Early Generation Seed

for non-rice crops

At the seed farms more

attention needs to be paid to

the production of foundation

and registered seed of other

crops than rice

This needs to be reflected in the

production planning of DOA and DAR

and can be informed by the seed

demand assessments of LIFT, MSU,

IFPRI and ISSD (Q3 2017)

There is a great shortage of early generation seed for crops like oilseeds, pulses and beans. For these crops

certified seed covers less than 1% of the seeds that farmer use. In terms of the EGS production planning

more emphasis needs to be provided to these crops.


Coordination and planning for

EGS production between DOA

and DAR needs to be improved,

with stricter task division

between which farm produces

what (BS, FS, RS)

Organize biannual planning

sessions between DOA, DAR,

private sector and DPs in

March/April and

November/December. And

have regular monitoring

meetings at central and

regional level (3x per year)

DOA and DAR to coordinate; next

meeting planned for

November/December 2017

In line with the first action point DOA and DAR will improve the coordination of their EGS activities better,

through organizing a joint meeting (incl. private sector and NGOs) in which seed demand estimations are

discussed and a production planning is made.


Limited capacity in plant

breeding to breed and select

new varieties of important food

security crops

Expand training in plant

breeding at all levels (long term

and short term) and

investments in research

infrastructure

DAR Taskforce will develop a plan by

December 2017, possible support from

CGIAR institutes

There are very little plant breeders currently in the DAR system that can do breeding and selection

activities. In order to develop and release more varieties support is required for training of staff and

investments in infrastructure.

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Action Agenda 4: Strengthening the Variety Release System

For VCU testing of new varieties protocols have been developed. They specify how 32 priority crops need to be

tested. There is a need for further finetuning these protocols and selecting the right management practices and

reference varieties for the trials. The Road Map proposes to explore variety listing for all new vegetable varieties

(and possibly potatoes). The reasoning being that if varieties have been released successfully in similar agro-

ecological zones, the variety can be released directly in Myanmar.


The current variety release

procedures are not clear

enough and could be faster.

Also there are limited seed

farms that can do the variety

testing (VCU)

Testing should be allowed at

third party company locations.

The crop protocols need

enhancement in terms of

management protocols and

reference varieties.

MOALI will take this up and IFC can

support revisiting the protocols and

compare them to other ASEAN+

protocols. Final decision by the

National Seed Council. Q3 and Q4 2017

The private sector expressed that the costs for variety release are not an obstacle, but that the testing

procedures are not very clear. Also the capacity at the seed farms to undertake the variety trials (3

locations, 1 season for all crops except rice) is limited. The above measures are proposed to finetune the

crop protocols and make the testing locations more flexible by including private sector locations.


There is overlap between the

VCU and DUS testing

responsibilities of DOA and

DAR; both leading to variety

registration

The responsibility for variety

registration needs to be

merged between DOA and DAR

into a separate unit within DOA

that is responsible for all seed

certification activities.

MOALI with support of the IFC

Agriculture Input Reforms Project will

come up with a proposal for

institutional change that needs to be

approved by the Minister and the NSC.

(Q3-Q4 2017 proposal ready)

The solution goes beyond the specific challenge of VCU and DUS testing, and also touches on the fact that

many seed activities are combined within DOA: production, extension, the practical testing and

certification, and the development of regulations. The platform agreed to have a separate unit that looks

after all seed certification aspects in a semi-autonomous unit. An example of such a unit is the seed

certification agency of Bangladesh or the NAK in the Netherlands, being responsible for variety testing (VCU

and DUS), registration and seed quality testing (i.a. germination, purity and health).


In the next years many

companies will want to register

their varieties in Myanmar.

This will put further strain on

the variety release system,

while for most varieties it is

not clear if testing is necessary

A proposal will be developed

to adjust the list of priority

varieties (that require VCU

testing); exploring automatic

release for varieties that have

been successfully released in

similar agro-ecological zones

MOALI with support of the IFC

Agriculture Input Reforms Project will

come up with a proposal that needs to

be approved by the NSC. (Q3 2017

proposal ready)

In many countries specific groups of crops are exempted from variety release because of their high turnover

and high commercial value (e.g. vegetables). The proposed solution will explore this exemption, looking

both at amending the priority list of crops (that require testing) and through using results from variety tests

of other countries with similar agro-ecological conditions.

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Topic 5: Early generation seed matching supply and demand

The supply of early generation seed (breeder, foundation and registered seed) is not able to fully meet the

demand of customers (especially for non-rice crops). There is a significant gap for registered seed of in-demand

varieties. Further, there are only a few private seed companies that are involved in the production of certified

seed of pulses and oilseed crops. Key action points are:


Lack of EGS seed demand forecasting system

Piloting seed demand forecast system in selected regions of the Dry Zone for different crops and varieties

MSU, IFPRI and ISSD in collaboration with DAR, DOA, NSAM (Q4 2017)

Currently, the breeder (BS) and foundation seed (FS) production planning is organised 6 months in advance. However, the demand for registered seed (RS) is organised on a very short or ad-hoc basis. This is also a reason behind the supply gap of RS. Therefore, the Action Agenda aims to conduct studies for the EGS demand in selected regions of the Dry Zone. The studies will inform the MOALI (DOA and DAR) seed farms for their multi-annual production planning.


Inadequate funding available for seed farms to upgrade the skills of staff and regular maintenance of seed farm equipment

Implementing a guideline that allows the seed farms to use a percentage of the revenue for investments in training of seed farms staff, and maintaining and purchasing seed farm equipment.

MOALI (DOA and DAR) with support from ADSP, ISSD Myanmar and IFC (a first proposal envisaged by Q4 2017)

The Platform proposed that the seed farm’s efficiency in EGS production can be greatly enhanced if there is a system that allows for retention of funds as a percentage of the seed farms’ revenue. This is a fundamental change in the financing of the seed farms, and will require guidelines which describe the rules/procedures for using the funds; ensuring accountability and transparency.


Lack of participation of private seed companies in pulses and oilseeds’ seed production

Develop an information system on variety suitability, marketability and export potential and share with private seed companies Pilot RS seed production scheme with private seed companies

DAR, DOA, MOC; this is part of the EGS demand assessment (Q4 2017) DAR and private seed companies with support from ISSD Myanmar and LIFT (2018)

Private seed companies’ involvement in seed production of pulses and oilseeds is almost non-existent in Myanmar. However, private seed companies are interested if they have access to information on variety suitability, marketability and export potential. On the other hand, it is also suggested that the production of RS (currently the responsibility of DOA) should be organised with private seed companies (possibly including licensing of public varieties). This can encourage private seed companies to get more involved in pulses and oilseeds production.

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Action Agenda 6: Promoting uptake of quality seed

Both for domestic and international companies the promotion of new varieties is important. Currently, the

uptake of quality seed of superior varieties is still lagging behind significantly (though growing robustly). The

domestic and international seed companies want to further expand their promotion activities, in terms of

brochures (good agricultural practices), demonstration fields, seed fairs at township level, and trainings. Also,

the government extension system can play a role in supporting private demonstrations and trainings, as superior

seeds have to go hand in hand with better agronomic practices.


Public research and extension

are currently not much involved

in adoption / uptake of new

varieties

Research will focus more on

adoption than release of

varieties, and the extension

system will be used for setting

up new demonstrations of

varieties

DAR and DOA Extension, in

collaboration with MSU and ISSD –

2017-2018

There needs to be more attention for the adoption of new varieties. Demonstrations and trainings can help

in convincing farmers of the superiority of new varieties. Research (DAR) and extension (DOA) will need to

play a greater role in this.


There is competition between

public and private sector for

the same crops and varieties,

especially hybrids

DOA and DAR should leave

hybrid seed production (F1) to

the private sector (incl. maize

and sunflower). Pilot with

licensing of varieties between

DAR and private sector.

Start a pilot between DAR and a

company on licensing of varieties,

supported by ISSD

Hybrids in many countries are left to the private sector, because of the commercial value and more efficient

production systems. Much effort has been put in the research of public hybrids and in order to valorise this

a licensing agreement (with a fee or royalty) can be discussed between DAR and a private company.


Package sizes are often too big

for farmers (especially for field

crops)

Work on smaller package sizes

of new varieties of rice, pulses

and beans, and oilseeds

Start working on this with NGOs in

Delta and Dry Zone, especially through

LIFT

For a farmer to try out a new variety 25 kg bags (e.g. for 2 acres) are too big. Often farmers want to try out

small quantities first before converting to their entire farm. Small packs (of e.g. 2 kg or 5 kg for rice) can be a

good solution for this.

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Topic 7: Effective and decentralised seed quality assurance systems

At the moment the formal government supported seed quality assurance system has difficulties reaching all

seed producers, both geographically as well as at the different stages of seed production. Already many

investments have been made in the upgrading of the public seed laboratories (especially in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw

and Mandalay). Especially the new seed testing laboratory in Nay Pyi Taw could serve as a reference laboratory

for Myanmar. At the same time, internal seed quality assurance systems by private seed companies with

accreditation through DOA could fill a significant gap in seed quality assurance services. Further, post-control

tests can provide additional checks for the seeds that currently are available in the market.

Challenges Action agenda Roles and time line

Insufficient seed quality assurance services available for seed growers (both for inspections and testing)

Develop a system of accreditation and internal quality assurance for seed companies (which could then also certify other seed producers)

DOA to develop a directive and guidelines for accreditation with support of IFC, in collaboration with NSAM (from Q3 2017 onwards)

The current seed quality assurance system is not able to fully meet the services for all seed producers and companies in the country. The seed law and the seed regulation allow the private sector to set up their own seed testing laboratory (and related internal seed quality assurance system). This opening in the law needs further operationalization for which support from IFC and input from NSAM is required. This activity can be linked to the development of truthfully labelled seed (TLS) from action Agenda point 1 (Local seed production and marketing) where this activity is proposed.

Challenges Action agenda Roles and time line

Lack of a system of post-control tests as part of the seed quality assurance regulation

Develop guidelines for a (risk based) post control testing system that looks at seed quality at market outlets

DOA will develop this system with support of IFC (from Q3 2017 onwards)

Frequently farmers are complaining about the low quality of certified seed. There are stories of entire containers of seed that had low levels of germination, because of long distance transport. Other reasons for lower than labelled quality can be poor storage at the agrodealer ship, seed mixtures at point of sales or bad handling during transport and (un)loading. The Platform recommends that (risk based) post control checks at import/wholesale level and at the point of sales (e.g. agro-dealers shops) are needed to prevent bad quality seed reaching the farmer. This in turn first requires the development of guidelines on post-control checks and inclusion in the seed regulations.

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Action Agenda 8: Operational Guidelines for the Seed Sector Platform

The Road Map agreed on the organization of biannual National Seed Sector Platform meetings, bringing

together key representatives from the public sector, private sector and international organizations. The

objective of the Platform is to stimulate dialogue between the public and the private sector and to undertake

seed chain planning. The seed platform will discuss on the regulatory environment, undertake seed demand

forecasting and plan for EGS requirements of specific crops and varieties.

Issue Action Agenda Roles and timeline

It is important to have full

participation of the most

important stakeholders with a

clear list of representatives that

attend frequently

DOA will make a list of 60

representatives for the seed

sector platform: 20 from public

sector (10 DOA, 5 DAR, 5

other), 20 private sector (NSAM

& RSGAs) and 20 DPs/NGOs

MOALI-DOA, NSAM and ISSD Myanmar

will come up with a comprehensive list

of participants at the first secretariat

meeting in August 2017.

In order to ensure continuity in the activities of the Seed Sector Platform meetings it is important to have

continuity in the participants that attend the meeting. The list is also used to provide regular updates and

invite people for other seed related events. The Platform’s Secretariat (see below) is requested to develop

this list and request organizations to nominate candidates for the Platform Meetings.


There needs to be follow-up in

between platform meetings, in

order to monitor progress of

the implementation of the road

map and prepare the agenda of

the platform meetings

A Platform Secretariat will be

established that consists of 3

public sector, 3 private sector

and 3 development partners;

the secretariat meets every 2

months

2 DOA, 1 DAR, 2 NSAM, 1 Regional

Seed Grower Association, ACIAR, IFC

and ISSD; next meeting August 2017

It was decided to establish a secretariat that monitors the implementation of the road map and prepares

the biannual platform meetings. The secretariat represents all parts of the seed value-chain, from breeding,

EGS and research (DAR and ACIAR), to regulations and enforcement (DOA and IFC), to seed production and

business (NSAM, RSGA and ISSD). People are nominated by their respective organizations.


We need to have a balanced

agenda between public, private

and development partner

topics in the next meeting.

For the next Platform Meeting:

(1) Draft PVP Regulations; (2)

the development of Seed

Grower Associations; (3)

International Good Seed

Production Practices; (4) Seed

demand assessment Dry Zone

(1) DAR; (2) DOA; (3) APSA/NSAM; and

(4) MOALI with IFPRI, MSU and ISSD

Myanmar. Next Platform meeting will

be in October/November 2017.

It was decided to establish a small secretariat that monitors the implementation of the road map and

prepares the Platform meetings. The secretariat represents key parts of the seed value-chain, from

breeding, EGS production and research (DAR and ACIAR), to the regulations and their implementation (DOA

and IFC), to certified seed production and seed business (NSAM, RSGA and ISSD). The specific people will be

nominated by the respective organizations.

For more information:

http://www.doa.gov.mm/doa/

https://www.facebook.com/moai.myanmar.ir

http://www.doa.gov.mm/doa/

https://www.facebook.com/moai.myanmar.ir

Documents

ACTION AGENDA SEED SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN ... sector should lead the seed sector, and that in the field of quality assurance trusted companies can play an important role. The government