Vice President U Henry Van Thio, the head of the Leading Committee for the Protection of Farmers Rights and Promotion of Interest, delivered an opening remark on the ‘2020 Seed Fair’ which was held at the State Agricultural Institute in Pyinmana Township of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area yesterday morning.
The event was also attended by Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Dr Aung Thu, chairpersons of Hluttaw Affairs Committee, Deputy Ministers, Hluttaw representatives, Members of Nay Pyi Taw Council, heads of departments, representatives of seed producing associations and companies, farmers from States and Regions, seed buyers and officials.
In his speech, the Vice President emphasized the importance of quality seeds suitable for respective areas in producing sufficient, nutritious and safe foods which can help promote incomes of farmers.
He added that the government is implementing development of living standards for the farmers who contribute 70 per cent of the country’s population and enforcing the Law of Protection of the Farmer Rights and Enhancement of Their Benefits Amendment Law which was enacted in December 2018.
Myanmar also adopted the Rural Development Law on 27 December 2019 to promote the lives of rural people in a wide range of sectors.
The Vice President said that the term ‘farmers’ covers the persons in the livelihoods of agriculture and livestock, as well as those who are putting investments into these businesses or those who are managing these businesses. Farmers include in the categories of firms producing seeds and saplings of plant and animals.
“The government is overseeing quality and prices of saplings, seeds, animal breeds and fish species, fertilizers, pesticides, foods and medicines in accordance with the law and legal actions in the damages of agricultural produce and capital losses,” he added.
The Vice President also explained production of seeds, storage and packings with modern equipment for foreign markets.
In addition to local firms, foreign companies have been allowed for 100 per cent investments with the approval of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, in promoting seed sector.
Vice President U Henry Van Thio also advised relevant departments, experts and private sectors to cooperate in development of seed sector to meet the objectives for promoting benefits of farmers.
He continued saying that Myanmar has a favourable geographical situation to become a major seed producing country if the existing policies are adjusted with amendments, relaxation and supports.
The Vice President added that if Myanmar could produce more quality seeds for both domestic and foreign markets, instead of importing from other countries, the farmers and all stakeholders in seed producing process will obtain benefits.
He also highlighted that seed producing organizations and private firms need to follow the existing law and rules to sustain their business and production norms.
In conclusion, the Vice President called for organizing more seed fairs at the levels of States, Regions and districts to promote the interests of farmers.
Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Dr Aung Thu explained the objectives of 2020 Seed Fair, development of seed production sector and operating a sustainable seed production mechanism through strategic plans.
The Vice President and party looked around the displays of cultivation plots and the booths of seeds, fruits, agricultural machinery, mobile application for farmers, demonstration plots and lab for examining seeds.
The ‘2020 Seed Fair’ displayed 49 booths for sees and the plots for 25 crops and 106 species.—MNA
(Translated by Aung Khin)
