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Appendix 5: Articles
from New Light of Myanmar
1. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Wednesday, 25 June 1997)
2. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Monday, 11 August 1997)
3. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 14 October 1997)
4. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Friday, 17 October 1997)
5. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 11 November 1997)
6. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 16 December 1997)
7. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 6 January 1998)
8. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Wednesday, 28 January 1998)
9. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Sunday, 6 September 1998)
Minister for A&I inspects Ngamoeyeik Dam, paddy fields in
Bago Division
10. THE NEW LIGHT OF
MYANMAR (Friday, 11 September 1998)
Ayeyawady Division to put over 3.2m acres under monsoon paddy
11. THE NEW LIGHT OF
MYANMAR (Wednesday, 14 October 1998)
All preparations under way for purchase, storage and milling
of paddy
12. THE NEW LIGHT OF
MYANMAR (Wednesday, 27 January 1999)
National entrepreneurs urged to do large-scale farming and
build agro-based industries and take lead in market economy
in future
 1. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR  original
article
(Wednesday, 25 June 1997)
All-round efforts being made to develop agriculture sector
for farmers' benefit
YANGON, 24 June - Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met secretaries of
State/Division Law and Order Restoration Councils and
chairmen of District Law and Order Restoration Councils of
States and Divisions and chairmen of 45 Township Law and
Order Restoration Councils of Yangon Division and officials
at Myanma Farms Enterprise today.
The Secretary-2 said he met secretaries of State/Division
Law and Order Restoration Councils and chairmen of
District/Township Law and Order Restoration Councils to look
into their requirements in thoroughly implementing the
objectives of the Five-Year National Plan Economic Plan
regionwise.
In addition to economic matters, administrative affairs
will be also coordinated at this meeting, he added.
National economic progress depends on agriculture
development as Myanmar is an agro-based nation, he noted,
saying all-round and sincere efforts are being made in
improving the agriculture sector for the benefit of farmers,
who are the nation's majority.
All should work dutifully and with sincerity and goodwill
for significant advancement of the sector, he stressed.
Efforts are being made to extend land put under monsoon
paddy as well as summer paddy to boost paddy output to one
billion baskets, he said. Priority has been given to
increasing paddy production to ensure food sufficiency for
the growing population, he pointed out.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo said currently, efforts are being made to
accumulate capital required in all-round developing the
nation from the agricultural sector. However, there were many
difficulties encountered in striving to gain capital from
paddy alone, he pointed out.
Plans are under way to give priority to extending
cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane and beans
and pulses at suitable places to accumulate capital for the
nation, said.
He stressed the need to change from the system of
depending on a single crop to four crops, saying the national
economy must be supported by four pillars instead of one.
Some States and Divisions might be suitable to plant two
or three crops, he said. Careful considerations must be made
in choosing crops that are actually suitable with the
respective regions, he advised, warning officials against
doing the impossible. They should strive to achieve success
in implementing tasks which can be accomplished, he stressed.
The Secretary-2 urged officials to be careful in giving
priority to these four crops. They must conduct
co-ordinations with farmers to their satisfaction to make
sure that their programmes never have ill affects farmers'
regular crops.
Personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
and farmers should understand and cooperate with each other,
he stressed. Service personnel should avoid acts that may
cause burden to farmers and farmers on their part should be
dutiful to the State, he said. There will be growth in
production only if there is understanding and smooth
relationship between the two, he noted.
Local authorities should render effective assistance in
ensuring smooth relationship between the two and in timely
fulfilling of the requirements, he pointed out. Regional
authorities with firm conviction must take the leading role
in striving towards agricultural and economic progress, he
stressed.
Departmental personnel must also join hands with regional
authorities in collectively implementing the tasks, removing
departmentalism and personality cult.
Efforts should be made regionwise for the agricultural
banks to benefit the people of rural areas.
Regional authorities should strive to develop their
political outllook and economic outlook in addition to their
normal duties, he said.
They should also strive to attend to the needs of the
grassroots level and for the development of fish and meat
sectors, forest sector, industrial sector, energy sector and
other sectors in parallel to the agricultural sector.
Firm foundation could be set up after-successfully
implementing the Five-Year National Economic Plan, he noted.
The duties of local authorities are to maintain regional
stability, expedite regional progress and to implement
economic plans, he said, stressing the need to make
cooperative efforts among respective ministries.
Weakness in cooperation among departments will have ill
effects on departmental functions and regional stability, he
stated.
Local authorities at different levels should harmoniously
work with departments for national development, tranquillity
and regional progress as their functions are interconnected,
he said.
Law and Order Restoration Councils at different levels
have been formed to give leadership to and to cooperate with
other departments, he said.
They should love their work and should strive actively
with far sight, he said.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen Myint Aung,
Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, officials of State
Law and Order Restoration Council Office and Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation and guests were also present.
2. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Monday, 11 August 1997)
Nation will prosper as living standard of peasants rises
YANGON, 10 Aug - Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Ministers toured
townships in Yangon South District and attended a ceremony to
mark the completion of ploughing in the district and
transplanting skill contest this morning.
The Secretary-2 and party met township-level officials.
Accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Lt-Gen Myint Aung, Ministers at the Office of the Prime
Minister Col Pe Thein and Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Minister at the
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister U Khin Maung Yin,
Chairman of Yangon Division Law and Order Restoration Council
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore
Nyunt Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Kyaw Than, senior
military officers, Deputy Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries U Aung Thein and departmental officials, the
Secretary-2 arrived at Kungyangon Township where he was
welcomed by Chairman of Yangon South District Law and Order
Restoration Council Lt-Col Ko Gyi, officials and local
resident.
The Secretary-2 and the ministers inspected completion of
ploughing on a 100-acre model plot. Weeding and feeding
fertilizer and spraying pesticides in Kamarpar Village.
Ploughing was completed with the use of high technology
for 100 baskets of paddy per acre yield.
The Secretary-2 and the ministers cordially greeted women
transplanters and officials. They then visited the completion
of ploughing ceremony and transplanting skill contest.
Transplanting teams from Thanlyin, Khayan, Yangon,
Thongwam Kawhmu, Twantay, Kungyangon and Kyauktan Townships
participated in the contest.
Altogether 12 transplanters each of various townships
planted paddy nurselings on the 85x30 feet plot. A total of
10,200 paddy plants were to be grown in 40 rows in the plot.
In meeting with departmental officials and farmers, the
Secretary-2 expressed his pleasure for their performance in
the contest and said out of 45 townships in Yangon Division
paddy is cultivated most in 17 townships and completion of
ploughing was held successfully in Yangon South' District.
He said efforts are being made for completion of targeted
monsoon paddy cultivation under the supervision of the
Chairman of Yangon Division Law and Order Restoration Council
and co-ordination with officials of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation.
Most of the people in our country are peasants and the
nation will prosper as their living standard rises, Necessary
assistance has been provided to boost income of the peasants,
spending large sums of money to help agriculture in accord
with guidance of Senior General Than Shwe, he added.
The Secretary-2 stressed the importance of cooperation
among the respective organizations, personnel of the ministry
and peasants as the government is providing assistance for
agricultural development.
He spoke of the need to adhere to instructions of Myanma
Agriculture Service for 100 baskets of paddy per acre yield,
to gain progress in agriculture as the national task for ours
is an agricultural country.
He also spoke of the Senior General's guidance on
successful cultivation of paddy, the ministry's
implementation on extension of cultivation, multiple cropping
and rationing and cooperation with departments concerned and
peasants.
He also stressed the need to implement four-pillars system
of paddy, sugarcane, cotton and beans and pulses starting
from the Second Year of the Five Year Economic Plan.
High technology is applied in model plot for 100 baskets
of paddy per acre yield and urged peasants to help spread of
such accomplishment from one township to another and
departments to organize the people to participate in the task
with four views.
Next, Minister Lt-Gen Myint Aung reported on the
ministry's undertakings for development of agriculture and
matters to be undertaken by peasants.
Next, Chairman of Yangon Division Law and Order
Restoration Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said
that out of the scheduled 1.2 million acres, 1 million acres
have been placed under monsoon paddy, accounting for 92 per
cent.
He cited progress of monsoon paddy cultivation. In Yangon
South District, out of the scheduled 780,000 acres, 770,000
acres have been cultivated, accounting for 99 per cent. In
Yangon North District, out of the scheduled 350,000 acres,
260,000 acres have been cultivated, accounting for 75 per
cent.
The commander noted that Yangon Division and Yangon South
District had to take pride in this ceremony which was held to
mark the first and foremost completion of monsoon paddy
cultivation of Yangon South District in the entire country
after holding a district-level paddy transplanting contest.
3. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Tuesday, 14 October 1997)
Agriculture sector meeting focuses on exceeding per acre
paddy yield, producing one billion baskets
YANOON, 13 Oct - The second four-monthly work coordination
meeting for agriculture sector in 1997-98 was held at the
Myanma Farms Enterprise at 9th Mile, Pyay Road here this
morning with an address by Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Lt-Gen Myint Aung.
It was attended by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung,
directors-general and managing directors of the departments
and enterprises and under the ministry, the chairmen of
State/Division Agricultural Supervisory Committees and farm
managers.
Minister Lt-Gen Myint Aung said the Stare Law and Order
Restoration Council is striving for national reconsolidation,
emergence of an enduring constitution and building of a
modern and developed new nation in accordance with the new
constitution. Economic progress is essential for the
emergence of a new nation, he said, adding agriculture sector
is the most basic economic undertaking. Hence, he said,
efforts are being made in conformity with the objective
-development of agriculture as the base and all-round
development of other sectors of the economy as well.
Emphasis is placed on the four major crops, namely, paddy,
beans and pulses, cotton and sugarcane and efforts are being
made to boost the per acre yield. It has been targeted to
exceed 100 baskets as acre in paddy to produce one billion
baskets, he said.
As the second year (1997-98) of the second five-year
short-term plan is being implemented at present, he said,
only an extent of success has been achieved. He called for
efforts to achieve success fully.
He recalled that five working groups were formed this year
to ensure success of tasks. They were water supply group,
cultivation group, agricultural education group, finance
group and supervisory group. They should have the ardent wish
to help farmers and sympathy towards them, he said. He spoke
of the need for them to get down to the grassroots levels to
meet farmers and help solve their problems instantly. Rural
development could be brought about only when they get in
touch with farmers and see to their needs. He noted economic
progress will contribute towards political stability. The
nation would then be in a position to strengthen the Tatmadaw
for national defence, he said.
Concerning water supply, he called on the group concerned
to prevent the wasteful flow of water from rivers and creeks
into the sea. He cited a large sum of funds allocated for
irrigation projects this year and efficient use of water
would result in the else of sown acreage where water supply
is certain. Out of 12 million acres of monsoon paddy; the
sown acreage with sufficient water supply stands at over six
millions which will increase to ten if water supply is
ensured, he said. The group concerned will have to strive for
exceeding the per acre yield of 100 baskets and produce one
billion baskets.
The minister spoke of the need to use quality strains to
boost the per acre yield. With sufficient water supply there
will be multiple cropping, he said.
He pointed out that ten million out of 12 million acres of
monsoon paddy will be put under the crop fully through close
supervision of the working groups. By cultivating summer
paddy on four million acres and producing 75 baskets per acre
the targeted paddy per acre will be achieved, he said. He
said 800 million baskets will be enough for domestic
consumption but the government is striving for achieving
paddy surplus.
He also called for efforts to attract internal and
external entrepreneurs to invest in cash crops such as
rubber, oil palm, jute, coffee, corn, mulberry and tea in
addition to the four major crops.
He also called for taking interest in the work cooperation
and coordination among the departments and discharge of
duties most conscientiously.
The working groups then reported on1997-98 monsoon paddy
cultivation and production preparations for cultivation of
monsoon paddy and cultivation and production of the four
major crops.
The Minister replied to the points in the reports and
looked into the requirements. The first day meeting was
adjourned at 4.30 p.m.
4. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Friday, 17 October 1997)
More food being grown to eradicate hunger, malnutrition
YANGON, 16 Oct - World Food Day was celebrated in
Myepadethakyun at Kandawgyi, Bahan Township, at 8:30 am
today, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
The Secretary-2 presented prizes for outstanding
performances in food production.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Lt-Gen Myint Aung said: I feel greatly honoured
for having the opportunity of delivering the statement to all
of you who are gathering here today for the celebration of
World Food Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations was established in Quebec, Canada, on the 16th
of October 1945. Hence, World Food Day is annually celebrated
in that day in commemoration of the founding of this
organization. As a member nation of FAO and an agricultural
country, we Mayamar also celebrate the World Food Day every
year.
Being endowed with equitable weather conditions and
abundance of land and water resources, Myanmar has made great
accomplishments in the production of food through the joint
effort of the government and the people.
The World Food Day being celebrated today has special
significance in that it reflects the effort, contribution and
accomplishment made by our country in accord with the
policies laid down by the FAO.
Two objectives
The two main objectives of the FAO are to supply
sufficient food for all and to eradicate hunger. The
principles laid down by FAO, aiming at achieving these
objectives are:
- Having accessibility to food security and social
well-being by all individual.
- Improving food production and distribution system.
- Elevating the living standard of rural populace.
- Striving for global economic growth toward
eradication of hunger.
The World Food Day is celebrated each year by all member
nations throughout the world, in commemoration of the main
objectives and principles of FAO. At this juncture, allow me
to cite some of the themes adopted in the nineties -
Harvesting Nation's Diversity in 1993, Water for Life in
1994, Food for All in 1995, Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition
in 1996. The theme fir this year's World Food Day is
"Investing in Food Security".
The slogan is to encourage people to produce more food to
wipe out malnutrition, hunger and poverty. In other words it
is an encouragement to produce sufficient food for the
consumption of the world's population.
People in some parts of the world are still suffering from
malnutrition and famine. According to the estimation of the
FAO, there will still be 800 million people who will be in
malnutrition by the year 2010. In the year 2030, to cope with
the increasing population of 3,000 million, we need to
produce 75 per cent more to add to the existing food supply.
The FAO is striving for the reduction of the number of
people suffering from malnutrition to half of the existing
number not later than the year 2015. This will be the
national cause concerning the people of al member nations.
Eight hundred million people, especially from developing
countries are still in need of the basic food items that will
sustain them and be well nourished. The FAO has pledged to
free the world population from this undesirable condition.
Today, the 5,800 million people of the world's population
enjoys 15 percent surplus of food supply as compared to the
4,000 million people in 20 years ago. In spite of advances
made in technology, there will still be shortage in food
supply. Therefore it is our concern to strive together for
food security and to eradicate hunger and malnutrition for
the entire world.
Being an agricultural country, Myanmar is undertaking
measures to produce food not only for domestic consumption
but also for export. Expansion of cropping areas, optimum
utilization of land, increasing per acre yield, and promoting
the quality of crops are some of the measures undertaken to
enhance surplus food production. Due to these measures,
improvements have been materialized dramatically.
Myanmar, being endowed with natural resources, it creates
batter opportunity for livestock and fishery sector as well.
Hence, integrated farming off-shore fish and prawn catching
and livestock breeding has been extended accordingly. Today
about 51 per cent of the country is still covered with
forests. From these forests, food, roots and tubers are
readily obtainable for daily consumption, thus benefiting to
food security.
Kindly allow me to refer to certain measures related to
the efforts made to increase food production in Myanmar.
Myanmar is striving to achieve all round development and
concentrating primarily on agriculture sector. Therefore
several possible measures have been employed for promoting
agriculture sector which is the primary economic sector of
the country.
Tremendous amount of capital has been invested for the
implementation of increased food production programs.
We have been engaged with the development of virgin lands,
expansion of cropping areas and increasing the cropping
intensity.
The cultivable land area in Myanmar is estimated as 45
million acres. The area currently being utilized is 23
million acres and the expandable land are is 22 million
acres. To expand the cultivable land area, permission to
cultivate the virgin and waste land has been granted.
Embankments and drainage canals are made in flood-prone area
and deep-water area. In this same area rice-fish farming has
been successfully developed and adopted . Hill side farming
system is being implemented to secure water and soil erosion.
Due to these efforts, in the year 1996-97, 383110 acres of
fallow land, 7370 acres of deep water land and 10333 acres of
rice-fish farming pond could have been reclaimed for use to
enhance food production.
Water
At this point allow me to point out the fact that water is
indispensable in crop production and the State is finding
ways to get more water for agricultural purposes. Of the 870
million acre-feet of water available annually from streams
and rivers, only 5 per cent has been utilized for
agricultural purposes. Hence, the government is momentously
implementing some works to obtain sufficient irrigation
water, by making use of six water harvesting methods, a
technology already in hand.
Since the assumption of national responsibility, the State
Law and Order Restoration Council, capital investment, man
power and machinery were utilized in full force with the
technical know-how of local engineers to get irrigation
water. Up to now, a total of 81 dams and reservoirs have been
constructed and from which over 1.3 million acres of crop
land could have been irrigated. Some 23 more irrigation
projects are still in the process construction, including
four and a half miles long the Thaphan Seik dam.
Apart from constructing dams and reservoirs; eight huge
weirs projects, 23 electrical pumping station projects, and
228 diesel engine pumping station projects are under the
process of implementation. In this endeavour of getting
sufficient irrigation water, extraction of underground water
is also given due attention. The State has invested
tremendous amount of its capital budget in numerous
irrigation project to realize significant area increase of
irrigated crop-land. The total cost for construction of dams
and reservoirs and cost for water resources utilization
facilities amounted to 10.4 billions kyats and 1.3 billions
kyats respectively. In 1987-88, the total irrigated area was
recorded only as 12.5 percent of the total cropped land, but
by 1995-96, it has increased up to 21 percent.
Today, the agriculture sector of Myanmar is being
momentously developed and consequently its overall production
has intensified. At this juncture, relying solely on
traditional animal draft power as well as man power is no
longer in a position cope with the currently expanding
agricultural industry. Hence, the tradition of Myanmar way of
farming is being transformed into mechanized farming. In the
hope of accomplishing this target, agricultural machinery and
equipment, required for land preparation, planting ,
harvesting, winnowing and drying of crops are being
manufactured locally. while some have to be imported The
increased mechanization in agriculture sector has
multi-beneficial effects on the farming communities - it
tremendously reduces hard working hours for the farmers,
alleviated production cost and relieve farmers from the hard
work. Besides, the cropping intensity is elevated.
Transformation
In this transformation process, private sector is invited
and encouraged to participate. In view of expediting the
process, the State has founded the Myanma Industrial
Development Committee and at the same time industrial zones
have been established in each and every state and division.
Arrangement for financial backup are also made available for
these entities through the Myanma Industrial Development
Bank.
On the other hand, proven technical know-how of crop
production are being transferred to farmers through our well
organized agricultural extension network along with the
regionally adaptable cropping pattern, effective method in
utilizing agricultural inputs, and environmentally friendly
plant protection techniques. Con-currently, research and
development works are actively engaged in the area of hybrid
seed production and plant breeding to obtain high yielding
and good quality seeds for our major crops. At the same time
high quality seeds and seedlings of vegetables and fruit
trees are being introduced for testing and multiplication.
Technical cooperation made between governments and with the
international institutions such as INDP, FAO, IRRI and
ICRISAT are eminent in developing the sector.
Credits are made available to the farmers by the Ministry
of Agriculture and Irrigation to cover certain portion of the
cultivation cost. The Myanma Agricultural Development Bank
was established with a view to instigate the farmers and
create more investment opportunity in agriculture sector.
Due to land development scheme, implemented by the
Ministry, more virgin land become available for crop
production. Local and foreign investors are encouraged and
invited to participate in these area to grow any crop of
their choice and interest.
Fishery sector, both offshore marine and inland fisheries,
is being extended and developed, in hope of producing more
seafood for local consumption and export. Today, Myanmar is
capable of exporting its fish and shrimp to the international
market, after reserving the required amount of local
consumption. Government loans required for investment in this
sector are made available through the Myanma livestock
Breeding and Development Bank.
Myanmar has become a full fledged member of ASEAN this
year and as a member country, Myanmar is working closely with
other nations in numerous area within the region, including
food production sector such as agriculture, livestock and
fishery.
Very recently, Myanmar delegation lead by the Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation had attended the Nineteenth
Meeting of ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF)
which was held in Bangkok from 11th to 12th of
September. In that meeting, future cooperation in
agriculture, food security and forestry sector could have
been discussed with other member countries. We strongly
believe that the outcomes from the discussion will ensure
food security within the region and will be of great
assistance to the world food supply.
Food policy adopted for the country is aiming at supplying
sufficient amount of food for the entire nation and at the
same time to guarantee better health and social well beings
of the populace. In compliance with that, the State is making
all possible efforts to enhance food production from
agriculture as well as livestock and fishery sector.
Today, unity of the union could have been reconsolidate
and the whole nation is in tranquillity. Besides the
centrally planned economic system have already been
transformed to the market oriented system. It become obvious
that private sector participation in agro-industries has and
livestock, fisheries industries has been increasing due to
political and economic stability achieved within the country.
Changing economy
Myanmar is on the verge of developing its agriculture ,
livestock and fishery industry in accordance with the
changing economic atmosphere. In this process, the role of
private sector's participation is becoming more and more
important. Accordingly investment in the production of
agricultural produces, livestock and fishes is increasing
steadily so as to guarantee food security for the public and
at the same time to be able to export more to the food
deficit countries. The prevailing investment opportunities
and natural resources are, in fact, quite favourable.
I must say that today's motto of "Investing in Food
Security" is felicitously selected in commemorating this
year World Food Day. Bearing that in mind, I would like to
invite and urge anyone of those who are concerned with to
make more investment in Myanmar's food production programme
for the benefit of the entire world in securing food
availability, in eradicating under nourishment and starvation
of the world.
Resident Representative of FAO Dr Prem Nath read the FAO
Director-General's message.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented prizes to Bogale
Township, Ayeyawady Division, for outstanding performance in
monsoon paddy cultivation and Thongwa Township, Yangon
Division, for outstanding performance in 'pedisein'
cultivation.
5. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Tuesday, 11 November 1997)
Myanmar
making all-round efforts for food-sufficiency, surplus
YANOON, 10 Nov - Myanmar delegation led by the Deputy
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation and comprising
officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation,
Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Live stock and Fisheries
is attending the 29th Session of UN Food and Agriculture
Organization being held is Rome, Italy, from 7 to 18
November.
Leader of the delegation Deputy Minister for Agriculture
and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung delivered the Country
Statement at the FAO Conference this morning:
Mr Chairman, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates, It
is a great honour for me to address the Twenty-ninth Session
of the FAO Conference. At the outset, my delegation would
like to join the previous speakers is congratulating you, Mr
Chairman, on your unanimous election as the chairman of this
important assembly. We are confident that under your able and
wise leadership, oar deliberations will come to a fruitful
conclusion.
It is with a sense of pleasure that my delegation welcomes
Kazakhstan for joining our organization. The growing
membership of FAO, once again reaffirms its commitment to
achieve food security for all and its dedication to reduce by
half the more than 800 million people currently
undernourished, no later than 2015.
The transition towards a hunger-free 21st century, will
not be possible in the absence of strong will and commitment
of the international community. The 1996 World Food Summit
adopted a very challenging declaration and plan of action.
These commitments have precarious entitle of sustain-able
food production of the world.
However, we, the 186 countries, that participated is the
first-ever summit, pledged our political will and national
commitment to the continuing efforts to eradicate the tragedy
of hanger and malnutrition. Once again, on the occasion of
the seventeenth observance of World Food Day this year, we
highlighted the seed to promote investment, both by private
and public sector, to enhance Food production and supply as
well as to improve physical and economic access by all to
sufficient food.
Mr Chairman,
Allow me to outline in brief the situation of agricultural
sector development and investment in irrigation sector of our
country. Like most of the developing agrarian economies,
agricultural productions in Myanmar is in the hands of the
small farmers. With over 87 per cent of peasant families
holding the average size of under10 acres, we are in the
process of transforming from subsistence to commercial
farming system. Therefore, investment is focused on rural
poor, agriculture, natural resources and infrastructure.
In this content, I have the pleasure in informing this
conference Myanmar's experience in investing in irrigation
Sector, as a case in point. Crop production in Myanmar is
mainly based on rainfed agriculture with the total irrigable
area of about 20% of the net sown area in 1995.96. The
Government of Myanmar is heavily investing for the
development of a nationwide irrigation network in order to
ensure the availability of adequate irrigation water.
Since the assumption of the State responsibilities in
1988, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has
constructed 81 dams with the total investment of 10.4 billion
kyats.
Moreover, 8 major large-scale, 23 medium-scale sad 228
small-scale pump irrigation projects by utilizing the water
from rivers and streams were also implemented at a cost of
1.3 billion kyats. Such irrigation infrastructure is being
undertaken almost entirely with available resources within
our country.
The increasing quest for sources of adequate water without
disturbing the environment is becoming a global feature.
Utilization of water resources in the most efficient and
effective manner has direct impact on increased agricultural
and food production. All the same time, it will help improve
the quality of life of the rural populace and environmental
conditions. In our country's case, we are utilizing only 6.3%
of the total water resources available annually which is
estimated at 870 million acre-feet. It clearly indicates the
immense potential to expand irrigation to increase food
production and to arrest environmental degradation in rite
dry zones.
In tandem with increased cropping intensity due to
availability of irrigation water, the cultivation practices
of farmers are improving rapidly. The most obvious being the
transformation of traditional to mechanized agriculture.
Agricultural mechanization programme in our country is
being implemented by importing us well as by domestic
production of agricultural machine and implements. At present
there are about nine thousand farm tractors, thirty thousand
power tillers, and over seventy thousand water-pumps owned
and operated by farmers in agricultural activities. Myanma
Industrial Development Committee, an inter-ministerial
committee consisting of 10 Ministers, has been formed with
the main objective of mechanizing the agriculture sector and
establishment of agro-based industries. Other changes that
are taking place in parallel are: use of improved seeds and
varietal changes in accordance with the emerging cropping
pattern and efficient use of agricultural inputs such us
fertilizer, and agro-chemicals. In 1996-97, altogether
seventy six thousand tons of seeds and nine million seedlings
of good variety crops and plants were distributed to increase
crop production.
The shift to a market economy is our country, has led to
increased agricultural productivity and also generated
increased investment by the private sector in food, livestock
and fisheries sectors as well. New financial institution both
semi-government and private, have emerged to support
agricultural, livestock, fisheries and farm mechanization
sectors. The Myanma Livestock and Fisheries Development Bank
and Myanma Industrial Development Bank remain the most
outstanding contributors fur these sectors.
Mr Chairman,
Myanmar, with a long coastline of 2832 kilometers and
extensive river systems is rich in both marine and freshwater
fisheries resources. In Myanmar, the production of fish is
showing a steady increase from 0.73 million metric tons in
1999-90 to 0.85 millions metric tons in 1996-97. It is noted
that 0.61 million metric tons of fish, accounting to about
73% of total production come from marine fisheries. The
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is about 1.05 million metric
tons and the entreat status of exploitation amounts to only
0.61 million metric tons, leaving a large potential for
further development.
As Myanmar marine fisheries has been steadily developing
and its productive forces still unmatched is regard to its
rich resources, over-exploitation of resources has not been
observed. Fisheries management is pursued by proper
licensing, prescribing exploitable species, fishing method
and gears, regulating closed seasons, etc.
Aquaculture played a minor role in fisheries industries up
till 1989 due to unfavorable conditions. Only three thousand
hectares for fish ponds were established at that time.
However, due to the encouragement and promotion by the State
through the Law Relating to Aquaculture, the Aquaculture
industry expanded by over thirty eight thousand hectares of
fish pond at the end of 1996-97. To keep up the momentum, the
State has provided with inputs such as technology transfer,
seeds, feeds and extension services. In addition to this, the
Department for Fisheries has been releasing fingerlings into
lakes, reservoirs and open natural water to increase the
national fish stock and to maintain a sound balance of flora
and fauna.
With the improvement of production in livestock and
fishery products, per capita consumption of meat and fish has
been increasing annually. According to the 1996-97 data, per
capita meat consumption was 2.2 kg as compared with the
previous year's level of 2 kg, while per capita fish
consumption has risen to 6.6 kg from 5 kg at the same period.
In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm our commitment and
determination to further advance the noble ideals and
principles of FAO in promoting food and nutrition well being
and economic progress of mankind throughout its long years
since inception. I am confident that our endeavours at his
gathering will help fulfill the hopes of the rural poor for
their better future.
Thank you Mr Chairman.
6. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Tuesday, 16 December 1997)
National objectives remain unchanged despite emergence of new
government
Government, people and Tatmadaw are
together building a strong, powerful nation
YANGON, 15 Dec - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations
Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo gave counsel on
nation-building tasks to Tatmadaw officers and other ranks at
the new hall of the Ministry of Defence this morning.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to clarify the
country's situation to Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air Force)
officers and other ranks.
He said that today, the government is building the nation
to become peaceful, modern and developed and that the
government, the Tatmadaw and people have to work hand in hand
for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation
upholding Our Three Main National Causes namely
non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of
national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
The State Law and Order Restoration Council was dissolved
and the State Peace and Development Council constituted, he
said, adding that he would clarify various matters on
constituting the new government.
Due to unavailable circumstances, the Tatmadaw took up
duties of State in 1998 as anarchy was rife and the
administrative machinery came to a halt, and the State Law
and Order Restoration Council was formed on 18 September
1998, he said.
Though the government was constituted as the State Peace
and Development Council on 15 November 1997, Our Three Main
National Causes remain unchanged for they are the duties that
will perpetually exists, he said.
Today's government is no longer the State Law and Order
Restoration Councul. It has been constituted as the State
Peace and Development Council in response to the time and
circumstance of the nation's situation, he said, nothing that
after constituting, the aims remain -
a. non-disintegration of the Union,
b. non-disintegration of national solidarity
c. perpetuation of sovereignty, and
d. building a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
For realization of these four aims, efforts must be
expedited to implement the four political, four economic and
four social objectives, and once the nation can be built on
the basis of these 12 objectives, three powers - political,
economic and military powers - will become strong, he said.
Three powers
Political power does not mean party politics, but the
power acquired from national politics, and for steadfastness
of political power, national unity must be built through
organizational capability and correct policy must be
practised for peace and tranquillity, he said.
He noted that for economic power, endeavours must be made
for easing the livelihood of people, uplift of their living
standard, increase of individual income, non-occurrence of
unemployment problems and longevity of people and that for
military power, the Tatmadaw must be built to be modern and
strong.
7. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Tuesday, 6 January 1998)
Efficient application of new paddy purchase system,
cultivation of summer paddy coordinated
YANGON, 5 Jan - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended a coordination
meeting on efficient paddy purchase through the new system
and summer paddy cultivation project at the Ministry of
Commerce this afternoon.
Also present were Minister for National Planning and
Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen
Kyaw Than, Minister at the Office of the Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Maung, Deputy
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Deputy
Ministers for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy Ministers for Commerce
Commodore Myo Tint and Col Kyaw Shwe, officials of the State
Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo said that during his recent tour of
Ayeyawady Division, he found out that the new paddy purchase
system which is more compatible with the market economy was
being applied.
As the tender system had not been applied for years, it
seemed new to the rice millers, merchants and farmers, he
noted.
He said the government is seeing to successful application
of the new paddy purchase system that will be beneficial to
both farmers and private entrepreneurs and that will also
help boost paddy output, all have to fulfill the
requirements.
He also spoke of the need to fulfill the needs of farmers
in time to enable them to grow summer paddy.
Minister Maj-Gen Kyaw Than also spoke about the tasks for
the new paddy purchase system and future programmes.
The deputy ministers and departmental heads put forward
suggestions on the smooth undertaking of the tasks for
applying the new paddy purchase system and programmes to
provide assistance ministry-wise to farmers for cultivation
of monsoon paddy.
The meeting ended with the Secretary-2's concluding
remarks.
8. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR original
article
(Wednesday, 28 January 1998)
Farmers
sell paddy freely in festive atmosphere
YANGON 97 Jan - Farmers led by chairmen of Village Peace
and Development Councils collectively sold paddy in Paungde
Township. Pyay District, Baga Division, on 24 and 25 January
morning.
Farmers from ten village-tracts of No 2 Region, from six
village-tracts of No 6 Region and from three village-tracts
of No 7 Region sold 4,272 baskets of paddy with 250 carts,
3,541 baskets of paddy with 202 carts and 1,857 baskets of
paddy with 130 carts respectively on 24 January.
Farmers from ten village-tracts of No 1 Region, from six
village-tracts of No 3 Region, from six village-tracts of No
4 Region and from two village of No 5 Region sold 4,797
basket of paddy with 261 carts, 2,424 baskets of paddy with
134 carts, 3,395 baskets of paddy with 169 carts and 461
baskets of paddy with 45 carts respectively on 25 January.
Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Ba
Win and members, Township Manager of Myanma Agricultural
Procedure Trading U Tin Hla Oo and members of the paddy
purchase supervisory committee attended to the requirements.
9. THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Sunday, 6 September 1998)
Minister for A&I inspects Ngamoeyeik Dam, paddy fields in
Bago Division
YANGON, 5
Sept- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin visited Ngamoeyeik Dam in Hlegu Township this
morning.
Accompanied by officials, the minister
inspected water control structure, left main canal and small
canals of the dam and instructed officials to carry out
systematic maintenance work, to ensure smooth flow of water
at canals, to prevent loss and wastage of water and to pump
water from canals in high areas.
The minister then inspected fields of
quality strain paddy of Myanma Agriculture Service in Bago as
well as paddy fields in wetlands by the motor road between
Bago and Thanatpin together with officials of Bago Division
Agriculture Coordinating Committee.
He met farmers and discussed with them
requirements of their fields and preparations for summer
paddy.
Due to this year's weather, paddy could be
cultivated early in some areas of Bago Division and farmers
will soon harvest the paddy at those fields.
The minister then proceeded to Ale Village,
Thanatpin Township, and inspected monsoon paddy cultivated
late due to floods in the area around the village and met
farmers.
Next, the minister went to No 34 Tractors
Depot of Kawa Township Agricultural Mechanization Department
where he inspected maintenance of tractors and paddy
thrashers and other farming equipment which are made
available for use.
He gave instructions to carry out paddy
harvesting and cultivation with the use of farm machines.
It is scheduled to put 2.2 million acres of
land under monsoon paddy this year in Bago Division. Of them,
over two million acres have been put under paddy to date.
Even in the areas where paddy is cultivated late yearly due
to floods, about 400,000 acres have been put under paddy.
Farmers will soon harvest the paddy cultivated early.
Accompanied by Yangon
Division Agriculture Coordinating Committee, the minister
also inspected the temporary camp of a pest control team of
MAS near Khamat Village in Khayan Township.
The minister met farmers near Padoke
Village in Thongwa Township and discussed with them
arrangements for pest control and agriculture loans and
boosting of monsoon paddy production.
10. THE NEW LIGHT
OF MYANMAR
(Friday, 11
September 1998)
Ayeyawady Division to put over 3.2m acres under monsoon paddy
YANGON, 10
Sept- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin inspected monsoon paddy
cultivation and the work at jute mills in Ayeyawady
Division on 8 September.
Ayeyawady Division has projected to put
over 3.2 million acres under monsoon paddy this year. Over
3.1 million acres have been put under paddy in the division
till 7 September. The division is now preparing to start
cultivating the second monsoon paddy on harvested fields. It
puts land twice under monsoon paddy annually.
Accompanied by officials, the minister
inspected storage of jute at a jute mill of Myanma Jute
Industries in Myaungmya Township in the morning.
He oversaw work at pulping division,
machinery division, jute separation division, preparation
division, spinning division, spindling division, looming
division, quality checking division, workshop, lathe
division, spare parts manufacturing division, storage
division and gunny bag division.
At a jute packaging factory in the
township, the minister inspected jute spreading and baling
and quality of products. During his visit to Myaungmya
Agriculture School, he met teachers and students.
At Kyonwa village, he met farmers and
transplanters at work, coordinating means to boost monsoon
paddy cultivation. On arrival at Einme Township, he observed
paddy threshing at a farm near Takaw village.
The minister met members of Union
Solidarity and Development Association in Einme and Kyaunggor
townships.
In the evening, he inspected storage of
water at a dam on Bawdi village in Pantanaw Township to
cultivate summer paddy.
11. THE NEW LIGHT
OF MYANMAR
(Wednesday, 14
October 1998)
All preparations under way for purchase, storage and milling
of paddy
YANGON, 13
Oct- A coordination meeting on rice, paddy and
beans and pulses trading for 1998-99 was held at the Myanma
Agricultural Produce Trading on Pansodan Street this morning
and Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen
Kyaw Than delivered an address.
It was also attended by Deputy Minister
Commodore Myo Tint, Managing Director of MAPT U Saw
Aung and officials.
Minister Maj-Gen
Kyaw Than said the central level dignitaries and responsible
personnel at the grassroots levels have been engaged in paddy
purchase for 1998-99 since cultivation of paddy. At the same
time, he said, efforts are being made for boosting paddy
yield. He said that paddy purchase this year would be carried
out after signing paddy purchase agreements in advance.
Reasonable price has been prescribed and up to 12 October,
contracts for purchase of 96.586 million baskets of paddy
have already been signed.
The minister called for maintaining good
relations in direct contacts with farmers individually.
He said instructions had been given to get
rice mills throughout the country to be ready for the paddy
season this year. Rice mills are to run full capacity
depending on the amount of paddy purchased, he said, adding
private mills are to assist when State-owned mills could not
do the job by themselves.
He also called for efforts to produce 1,440
tons of bran oil at the bran oil mills.
Surplus broken rice and bran will be
exported to earn foreign exchange, he said.
The minister pointed out that new crop of
paddy will be milled properly beginning November and December
and distributed to the respective regions. Paddy surplus
States and Divisions would have to send rice to the paddy
deficient States and Divisions up to January according to the
requirements.
He spoke of the need to take measures since
the time of paddy purchase, to store quality paddy and to
mill it systematically for exporting high quality paddy.
12. THE NEW LIGHT
OF MYANMAR
(Wednesday, 27
January 1999)
National entrepreneurs urged to do large-scale farming and
build agro-based industries and take lead in market economy
in future
YANGON, 26
Jan- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than
Shwe addressed Tatmadaw members and families of Pathein Station in Ayeyawady
Hall of South-West Command in Pathein Township, Ayeyawady
Division, at 8 am yesterday.
Guidance given by Senior General Than Shwe
during tour of 16 townships in Yangon, Ayeyawady Divisions.
Agriculture should be based in building the
nation as the nation has vast land resources and agriculture
has been carried out since the time of forefathers.
Agricultural, industrial and trade sectors
should be developed mainly in building the nation, Due to the
conditions of the nation which lacks in technology and
capital, agriculture which has good foundations must be the
basis.
National entrepreneurs who have the
capital, management skill, techniques and know-how should be
encouraged in taming wetlands, vacant, virgin and fallow
lands to do agriculture on commercial scale.
The agricultural sector will advance
significantly and the countryside which is the home to
farmers will develop only with the emergence of modern
private farms stretching thousands of acres.
More nationals should emerge as
entrepreneurs who do agriculture on the vast lands; so should
other national entrepreneurs; entrepreneurs should be those
who can lead the market economy and those of international
standards; they must not be just compradores of foreign
entrepreneurs.
While serving their own interests, national
entrepreneurs would have to serve the interests of the State
and the national people; they need to have goodwill toward
the country and spirit of patriotism.
The Government with true goodwill is
helping and promoting nationals, who are living on this soil
and partaking of water from the same source, to do well in
their enterprises.
Entrepreneurs who have come to engage in
agricultural production are regarded as colleagues who have
come to cooperate with the Government of the State within the
framework of the plan of the State.
While strenuous efforts are being made to
achieve success in agriculture production, the goal to set up
agro-based industries, and from there, to build other
industries as well must be laid down.
As the population of the country will be
about 60 million in 2010, arrangements are to be made to be
able to cultivate monsoon paddy on 14 million acres of land
and summer paddy on four million acres of land with a view to
providing sufficient food for the growing population.
Efforts are to be made to boost the
production of paddy, the main crop, as well as to extend the
cultivation of oil crops with a view to achieving domestic
sufficiency in oil.
Efforts are to be made with the objective
of achieving 100 basket-per-acre yield of paddy and
15-basket-per-acre yield of sesame…
The Government, the people and the Tatmadaw
must cooperate in building the State.
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