The demand for mechanization and automation in the field of agriculture is in response to the demand for high quality products and sophisticated production techniques in countries with high labour costs.
While making efforts for modernizing the agricultural sector, Myanmar is facing some challenges, including a shortage of farm labour. There are several ways to resolve the issue. Mechanized farming is one of the ways to overcome manual labour shortage, which is a major problem in the country.
With farmers understanding the benefits of using machinery, the purchase of agricultural machinery on installment from factories has become popular in rural areas.
However, farmers have faced some inconvenience while buying agricultural machinery from companies in some areas.
It is worth noting that as part of efforts for resolving such cases on the ground, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry is planning to jointly operate agricultural machinery factories with private investors to produce quality products.
Besides, the ministry has formed inspection teams to look into challenges faced by farmers in buying farm machinery on installment.
We welcome the efforts of the department as they are intended at promoting the growth and mechanization of the farming industry, guaranteed by the State Constitution.
According to the Constitution, the State must provide all possible help in the transition from traditional agriculture and farming to an industrialized one by providing technology, investment, machinery, and raw materials. The Agricultural Mechanization Department is leading the efforts on that front.
On November 17, 2017, the Ministry of Commerce issued Notification No. 55/2017, under Section (13) (B) of the Import and Export Law, granting permission for joint ventures (JV) between foreign and domestic companies to carry out retail or wholesale trade of agricultural machinery.
Imported machinery poses some shortcomings, such as difficulty in obtaining spare parts and unfamiliar technology, that can become a challenge for farmers.
Meanwhile, domestic production of agricultural machinery cannot meet demand.
Joint ventures between the government and local and foreign investors are the best way to overcome these challenges.
GNLM
