Drafting Standard Operating Procedure: Addressing alternative uses of farmlands

The government is in the process of drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the alternative uses of farmlands. This initiative aims to take swift and decisive action to manage and prevent the illegal use of farmland in accordance with existing farmland laws and related regulations.

On September 1st, the Union Level Work Committee on drafting the SOP held a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation. Dr. Tin Htut, Deputy Minister and Chairman of the Work Committee, attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

He emphasized that as an agro-based country, it is essential to sustainably utilize farmland resources to ensure food sufficiency without compromising agricultural productivity. However, with the growing population and the development of factories and workshops, there is also a need to allocate land for housing and infrastructure projects.

He pledged that the Union Level Work Committee is making efforts in drafting the SOP, which would include a systematic survey to protect the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens. Afterwards, the Joint Secretary and members of the Work Committee presented sector-wise reports on illegal farmland use.