Agriculture Sector: Innovation and research activities for farmers

It is necessary to carry out continuous innovation and research activities for the use of agricultural equipment that will reduce the burden and expand the work for farmers, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung said during an inspection of monsoon paddy plantation with the use of 6-row rice planting machine in the agriculture research farm in Zeyathiri Township.

During the inspection, the Union Minister heard reports on partial set-up of the rice planting machine manufactured by the Agricultural Mechanization Department (Inngone), upgrade plans, cost, power and conditions for farmers to buy and use.

In his response, the Union Minister gave necessary instructions and presented cash award to officials and staff. This 6-row rice planting machine that is currently being tested uses a light engine and planting can be done in about 2 hours per acre. The production cost is around 2 million Kyats, and the modification works are being carried out to make it widely available to farmers and easy to use.