Riding-type Rice Transplanters: MCRD UM attended the demonstration of transplanters

A demonstration of monsoon paddy cultivation using riding-type rice transplanters was held on 20 acres of land owned by the Shwe Wah Tun (2) Agricultural Production Cooperative Society Limited, located in Yone Taw Village, Lewe Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Territory on Tuesday.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe, the Permanent Secretary, the Director General, and responsible officials. At the demonstration, the Union Minister and officials observed the status of monsoon paddy plantations, the use of riding-type rice transplanters, and the use of hand-held rice transplanters.

They also met with cooperative farmers from Lewe Township. The Union Minister urged farmers to properly record the acreage that can be transplanted in a single day using both riding-type and hand-held transplanters, noting that the mechanized use of these transplanters would help address labor shortages.

He emphasized the need for farmers to strictly follow designated agricultural practices. He assured cooperative members that, if investment funds for rice transplanters were required, support would be arranged, provided that repayment plans were submitted, and loans would be made available through cooperative credit schemes.

He also highlighted the need for responsible officials to consistently supervise, guide, and provide technical knowledge to farmers with goodwill, while also addressing issues related to regional development. After discussions, local farmers’ concerns were collected and coordinated for implementation.

In the afternoon, the Union Minister attended the coordination meeting of the Leading Committee for the Purchase and Distribution of Urea Fertilizer, held at the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development, and delivered opening remarks.

Subsequently, the Committee Secretary, Permanent Secretary U Khant Zaw, and the Chairman of the Myanmar Fertilizer, Seed, and Agrochemical Entrepreneurs Association presented sectoral reports. Representatives from the Central Bank of Myanmar, the Myanmar Economic Bank, relevant ministries and departments, and the Chairman of the Myanmar Rice Federation participated in the discussions.

The Union Minister provided necessary guidance on the reports and concluded the meeting with closing remarks.