Meeting in Myitkyina: Discussion for preparedness and response measures

Kachin State Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Minister U Ye Yint Swe met with state-level departmental officials at the State Government Office meeting hall on Friday to discuss awareness campaigns, systematic monitoring, preparedness and response measures for agricultural and livestock sectors against potential natural disasters caused by El Niño.

The Minister highlighted the potential impacts of El Niño and stressed the need for continuous field inspections, public awareness, preventive measures and emergency responses. He emphasized cooperation to prevent reductions in winter second-crop cultivation and yields.

During the discussions, officials reported plans to promote short-duration, drought-tolerant and heat-resistant crop varieties, improve water storage, distribution and resource identification, identify areas at risk of water and animal feed shortages, monitor livestock diseases, stock and supply veterinary medicines and feed, and prepare emergency vaccination programmes. Measures for monitoring fishpond water levels and quality, educating fish farmers on preventive measures, and securing alternative drinking-water sources for rural communities were also discussed.