DEPARTMENT of Agricultural Research will carry out a soybean crushing project for the self-sufficiency of soybean meal and cooking oil. Under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (2025), an inception workshop for conducting research and development activities for the soybean crushing project to ensure self-sufficiency of cooking oil and soybean meal was held on 22 October at Nawarat Hall in Zeyathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw.

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung addressed that the ministry has been implementing development projects to enhance the socioeconomy of the rural community with the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund. The Establishment of a Soybean Processing Plant through Research and Development for Cooking Oil and Soybean Meal Sufficiency in Myanmar is a new initiative by the Department of Agricultural Research by reflecting on past achievements.

Myanmar has to import almost 58 per cent of its edible oil consumption from international markets, leading to an outflow of foreign currencies. The soybean meal is of vital importance for the livestock sector since 0.6 million metric tonnes of soybean meal are annually brought into the country. The ministry is endeavouring to fulfil the need of local consumption with local products. This project is a strategic approach to tackle those needs with domestic capabilities, research and technology and produce quality soybeans. The main objectives of this project are strengthening the whole value chain from soybean cultivation to the value-added products like cooking oil and soybean meal, the Union minister added.

The director-general of the Agricultural Research Department explained the aims of the inception workshop. Afterwards, in charge of the project also presented project plans, and attendees also suggested ideas for effective and successful project management. — NN/KK