Vietnam intends to plant genetically-modified corn in 2011 after successfully completing an experimental project.
A
recent seminar in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau
discussed initial outcomes of the project, which was carried out in both
the northern and southern regions.
The Deputy Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Bui Ba Bong, said the project showed
that genetically-modified corn can adapt to the weather and land in
these areas.
It also showed that this corn is resistant to pests,
diseases and could help Vietnam reduce it imports of maize for
making animal fodder.
Vietnam produces between 1.1-1.2 million tonnes of maize a year while it needs 1.5 million tonnes.
The genetically-modified corn will be planted on a large scale from 2011, if it passes a final test, said Bong.
According
to Le Huy Ham, Director of the Agricultural Genetics Institute, various
species of genetically-modified plants have been grown worldwide for 16
years, with a current acreage approaching 126 million ha.
Vietnam also plans to grow genetically-modified cotton and soya beans by 2013-2014./.