Agriculture & Livestock : Union Minister makes inspections in Shan State

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung met with responsible officials in Taunggyi on the morning of August 18.

During the meeting, he discussed and instructed officials to systematically supervise agricultural and livestock import-export operations including the import, production, and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural inputs in accordance with existing laws.

He emphasized increasing soybean sown acreage and coffee growing areas, which are critical for edible oil self-sufficiency and livestock feed raw materials in Shan State. He highlighted educating farmers on the proper and systematic application of pesticides and herbicides according to specified guidelines.

Furthermore, he noted that if farmers contribute their share of investment toward developing systematic mechanized farmland while the ministry primarily provides machinery and technical support, these operations can be carried out extensively nationwide.

In the afternoon, the Union Minister met with department officials and local farmers in Hsi Hseng Township. During the meeting, the Union Minister discussed and instructed officials to ensure crops are shifted to varieties that yield high output, deliver good quality, and suit local conditions.

He urged strict monitoring to prevent farmers from using illegally imported or sub-standard seeds, and called for efforts to address local requirements.

Afterward, officials from the Myanmar Avocado Producer and Exporter Association presented submissions regarding the smooth export of avocados to foreign markets, and a Pyithu Hluttaw representative raised matters concerning local flood mitigation and assistance for coffee cultivation, to which the Union Minister and relevant officials provided clarifications and answers.

Subsequently, the Union Minister inspected seed production fields of sunflower, groundnut, soybean, and upland rice cultivated in the Banyin Seed Farm. He also inspected a private maize field leased on land owned by the Department of Agriculture, as well as sheep breeding operations, building repair work, and concrete road construction being carried out by the Livestock Research Department.