Yangon—A coordination meeting on drafting the response programs for the impacts of COVID-19 on the local farming sector, was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation on 22 April.
The meeting is aimed at ensuring the effective response to the COVID-19 impacts on local farming sector and cooperation in the COVID-19 response strategic programs being drafted by the government.
The meeting focused on the programs for cash assistance to small-scale farmers, breeders, the programs for strengthening the markets and providing technical assistance, employment opportunities for people in rural areas and cash for work programs.
Annually, Myanmar grows 17.8 million acres of paddy and produces around 27 million tons of rice.
According to the figures from 2014-15 FY to 2018-19 FY, the paddy production in 2017-18 FY hit over 25 million tons. It is the lowest paddy production during four years.
The total paddy production reached 27.5 million tons of rice in 2018-19 fiscal year, the maximum rate during five years, according to the Central Statistical Organization.
“Improving the farmers’ incomes in the agro-based Myanmar is directly proportional to the country’s economic growth. Though the country has ample arable land, the utilization of these soils is relatively low,” said Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Dr. Aung Thu.
Efforts are being made to boost the production of quality and safe agro products, marine products, meats and fishes for meeting the market demands. On the other hand, the ministry is attracting investments from home and abroad.
