Work coordination meeting: Expansion of oil crops and cotton cultivation discussed

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation held a work coordination meeting on the expansion of sunflower and cotton cultivation and to achieve targeted yields in Kachin State, Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay Regions at the Mandalay Region Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister U Min Naung and the Chief Ministers of the respective regions. In the meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the need to enhance sunflower cultivation to secure domestic oil consumption and reduce import dependence.

He outlined strategies to improve yields and ensure the production of high-quality cotton for domestic textile factories. In response, the region and state chief ministers took part in coordinated discussion with relevant departments to establish special zones for sunflower cultivation and provide essential resources such as seeds, land, water, and technology to farmers.

Additionally, loans are being disbursed for the oil crops cultivation through the State Economic Promotion Fund, aiming to reduce the import of oil and achieve self-sufficiency for domestic consumption.

For 2024-2025 fiscal year, there are plans to expand sunflower cultivation to 3 million acres nationwide, with targeted areas being over 375,000 acres in Sagaing Region, more than 242,000 acres in Magway Region, over 181,000 acres in Mandalay Region, and more than 19,000 acres in Kachin State.