At the heart of Myanmar’s economic structure lie the agriculture and livestock sectors, forming the backbone of the nation’s prosperity. The strategic focus now centres on the effective execution of projects within these realms. Myanmar is prioritizing the cultivation of key crops such as paddy, pulses, beans, maize, oil crops, coffee, and rubber. Simultaneously, the emphasis extends to the breeding of essential livestock — chicken, pig, cattle, goat, and fish — to meet the burgeoning demand for local consumption.
The synergy between agricultural produce and livestock products becomes a catalyst for industrial growth, with an emphasis on the manufacturing of value-added products. The resultant economic boom ripples through related sectors, including services and finance. Guided by the Head of State’s directives, the development of MSME takes centre stage, supported by loans disbursed from the State economic development fund.
Critical to this economic strategy is the ongoing evaluation of the success of the agricultural and livestock sectors, ensuring alignment with the state’s overarching goal of continuous advancement. Union ministers and regional chief executives bear the responsibility of executing their designated duties to achieve substantial success.
In the realm of agriculture, Myanmar has allocated 13.17 million acres of farmland for paddy cultivation, yielding 74.83 baskets per acre. While this is commendable, the government has set an ambitious target of 100 baskets per acre. It calls for a concerted effort between farmers and relevant departments to explore optimal methods for enhancing per-acre paddy production.
Government departments, including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agricultural Mechanization, and the Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary, are actively supporting the development of agriculture and livestock farms. They provide essential inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and advanced agricultural techniques to boost per-acre yields, aligning with production targets.
While the primary focus remains on meeting local consumption needs, the surplus agricultural products are earmarked for export, contributing to foreign currency reserves. This dual approach ensures that those engaged in agriculture and related activities experience an uplift in their socioeconomic status, reaping the rewards of their labour.
The government’s commitment is reflected in the systematic organization of local farmers by departmental personnel, facilitating efficient land utilization for agricultural and livestock activities. Increased productivity in these sectors translates to higher incomes for farmers, additional government revenues earmarked for national development initiatives, and a consequential boost in the state’s GDP through the active participation of all stakeholders.
