Agriculture And Irrigation: MoALI Union Minister Makes Inspections

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Tin HtutOo met with the researchers and agricultural experts at the Vegetable and Fruit Research Development Center in Hlegu Township of Yangon Region on January 25.

The union minister discussed that efforts should be made to produce high-quality crops according to the weather conditions, using modern techniques to produce better quality seedlings. He also stressed the needs to increase applied research on agricultural systems that effect crop quality and yield, as vegetables and fruits are an important value-added food group while taking advantage of country's diverse climate to develop a variety of crops and market-based agriculture.

The Center for Vegetable Fruits Research and Development produces and distributes high quality seeds and saplings. The center also conducts research and develops production methods for farmers, draft the GAP system, organic standards for crop safety, GAP guideline, participate in field inspections for GAP certification, establishes organic research and organic farming production zones, contributes GAP and organic farming systems as well as controls of pest-resistant vegetable varieties, and research on the effects of natural fertilizers and foliar fertilizers on crops.

The Union Minister and party later proceeded to Moe Yun Gyi Reservoir in Waw Township of Bago Region and inspected the construction of Spillway.

Upon completion of the spillway, drainage will be controlled from Moeyungyi Lake and the towns of Waw and Thanapin will be relieved from the flooding. Similarly, more irrigated water can be supplied to the summer paddy fields in Waw, Thanatpin and Kawa townships in Bago Region, and Khayan and Thanlyin townships in Yangon Region.