21st anniversary of DAR: MoALI UM attended the ceremony

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, U Min Naung, attended the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Agricultural Research, held at the Nawarat Hall of the Department in Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, on January 27.

During the ceremony, the Union Minister delivered a speech, stating that the Department of Agricultural Research has successfully developed over 300 crop varieties suitable for geological feature and climate conditions of Myanmar. He highlighted that new varieties and technologies have been introduced for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, including the newly certified "Aung Naing Toe" rice variety, which has been recognized and awarded by the state. Additionally, seven experts from the Department of Agricultural Research were honored with national agricultural excellence awards. The Minister emphasized the need to align research activities with national goals, enhance collaboration with domestic and international organizations, and increase private sector partnerships. He also stressed the importance of innovation in research and the expansion of participatory research involving farmers (Farmers Participatory Research).

Following this, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Research Dr. Naing Kyi Win, extended words of greeting and presented a video showcasing the department's activities and achievements.

During the event, the Union Minister, Deputy Ministers, and officials awarded cash prizes and gifts to the personnel for their success in developing the "Aung Naing Toe" rice variety. They also presented honorary awards to recipients of research excellence awards.

The agricultural research sector, a key driver of agricultural development, began its research on farming methods as early as 1908, before the independence of Myanmar. Records show that the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) was officially established on June 22, 1954, in Kyaukse Township, marking 71 years of agricultural research in the country.

With the aim of promoting the widespread development and advancement of agricultural activities, it was established as the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in 1990, and later, on January 27, 2004, it was restructured and upgraded as the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) and it has been 21 years since its establishment.