MAWLAMYAING- Over 570,000 acres of monsoon paddy in Mon State have been grown until August 15th but 80,000 acres and more were inundated from the floods, according to the Agriculture Department.

Among over 80,000 acres of flood-hit monsoon paddy fields, more than 50,000 acres are beginning to emerge as the water recedes. However, over 20,000 acres of paddy fields remain submerged in Kyaikmayaw Township.

“The water level increased by double compared to the previous. So, the paddy fields are being flooded. Although water level decreased until yesterday evening, villagers are now going by boats. And then, rain is pouring down. No one can suggest the decrease of water level which depends on the rainfall,” said Naing Tun Kyi from Kyaikmayaw Township.

The head officer of Agriculture Department in Kyaikmayaw Township said that 49,753 acres of monsoon paddy had been grown in Kyaikmayaw Township. But, there were 20,366 acres of flooded paddy fields. The water level of Ahtayan River reached 483 cm in Kyaikmayaw Township. No one knew how many paddy fields were damaged. There was no one for donation of paddy strains. If a person wants to donate the paddy strains, he or she can contact the Flood Supervisory Committee office and Agriculture Department in Kyaikmayaw Township.

Over 7,000 acres of paddy fields in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State had been damaged by flood which was caused by rising tide in July and August last year. So, there had been paddy strain requirements worth of Ks 170 million for rehabilitation. The Mon State Government supported Ks 100 million and other well wishers also donated the cash assistance.

Currently, Myanmar Rice Dealers Association donates the fertilizers for re-growing of paddy.