Aung Naing Toe rice variety: MoALI UM attended field demonstration of new rice variety

The Department of Agricultural Research held a field demonstration of the newly developed Aung Naing Toe rice variety at the research farm in Yezin, Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw on December 23.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, U Min Naung, along with Deputy Ministers, permanent secretary, directors-general of relevant departments, researchers, field staff, and 118 farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs from the Nay Pyi Taw region.

During the demonstration, the Union Minister stated that the development of new rice varieties tailored to local conditions to promote the growth of rice production of Myanmar. He highlighted that the Department of Agricultural Research has developed 138 rice varieties, including 34 rain-fed varieties of rice and 39 irrigated varieties of rice, between 1972 and 2023.

He pointed out that around 80% of the monsoon rice and 90% of the summer rice cultivated across the country are varieties developed by the department. The new Aung Naing Toe rice variety is known for its good yield, quality that is suitable for both domestic and international markets, and its resistance to pests and diseases. It can be grown in both the rainy and dry seasons, making it widely accessible to farmers etc.

The Director-General Dr. Naing Kyi Win, further explained the research process behind the Aung Naing Toe rice variety, its characteristics, and answered questions from the farmers. The Aung Naing Toe rice variety, which has won national recognition in the centenary celebration of the Agricultural University, was first researched in 2015.

It has produced successful results in trials across various regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw. The ongoing distribution of seeds to farmers aims to further promote its adoption for commercial cultivation.

Following the demonstration, the Union Minister and officials observed the harvesting of Aung Naing Toe rice, which yielded 124 baskets per acre in wet condition or 116 baskets in dry condition. The Union Minister and officials also visited research farms for other crops, such as groundnuts, sunflower, and soy fields, to support and encourage ongoing agricultural research.