Distributing Seeds and Agri-Inputs: MCRD UM delivered the opening remarks

Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe gave a speech at the ceremony for the distribution of seeds and agricultural inputs, demonstrations of cooperative agricultural services, and collective plowing activities, jointly organized by Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank under the Department of Cooperatives,, seed production companies, input supply companies, and agricultural machinery sales companies, held in Yone-Pin-Zaung Village, Zeyathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, on May 28.

In his opening remarks, Union Minister U Hla Moe highlighted several challenges faced by farmers, such as a shortage of agricultural workers, limited access to tractors and plowing machines in time for planting, and the need for quality seeds and inputs. He stated that this event aimed to address those challenges by ensuring timely access to high-quality seeds and necessary inputs through coordinated agricultural services.

He urged cooperative farmer members, under the leadership of BOD, to work together by collectively purchasing high-yield seeds and inputs, engaging in cooperative plowing, timely planting, and joint harvesting efforts. He also emphasized the importance of collective selling to achieve targeted crop yields effectively. Following that, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman U Than Tun Oo spoke about the region's capacity to support agriculture with capital investment, technical assistance, and supplies of seeds and inputs.

Next, Director General of the Department of Cooperatives U Aung Thu Ya, a representative from the Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank, and company representatives discussed their respective areas in more detail. Cooperative members also had the opportunity to ask questions, which were answered by the relevant officials.

After that, Union Minister U Hla Moe, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman U Than Tun Oo, and Deputy Minister U Myint Soe presented agricultural supplies including seeders, paddy and cotton seeds, and inputs worth 2.28 billion for over 10,000 acres of cooperative farmland. They also observed agricultural machinery such as plowing machines, harvesters, and seeders being demonstrated, and inspected the cooperative sales and services being provided to farmers.