TO promote the develop­ment of Myanmar’s cot­ton sector and improve the production of quality cotton, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation has issued a warning urging cotton farmers, seed producers and distributors not to dis­tribute, sell, or replant F2 hybrid cotton seeds.

The ministry stated that cultivating F2 hybrid cotton seeds does not pro­duce satisfactory results and can significantly re­duce both crop yield and quality. Furthermore, un­der the Seed Law (2015), the distribution and sale of unregistered seeds are strictly prohibited. When marketing high-yielding foreign hybrid cotton va­rieties, only legally regis­tered F1 hybrid seeds may be distributed and sold.

Directives prohibiting the distribution and sale of F2-grade cotton seeds have already been issued to cotton seed producers. Meanwhile, the relevant departments have also conducted awareness campaigns urging farmers not to purchase or culti­vate these seeds.

The government is currently providing multifaceted support to cotton farmers. To help modernize and develop the cotton sector, the Ag­ricultural Mechanization Department will provide the necessary machinery and equipment.

To reduce costs and improve effi­ciency throughout the cotton produc­tion supply chain, the transition to a mechanized farming system is es­sential. This includes systematic land preparation using heavy machinery, as well as the use of cotton seed planters, inter-row cultivators, backpack cotton pickers, and cotton harvesters.

The President has directed that the government place special em­phasis on supporting cotton farmers by providing not only the necessary inputs and technology but also assis­tance in transitioning to mechanized farming. Interested farmers who wish to cultivate cotton using mechanized farming methods and require support with machinery and equipment may contact the Agricultural Mechaniza­tion Department in Nay Pyi Taw at 0673431215 for further information. — ASH/TH