Kachin State, suitable land for agriculture: MoALI Union Minister

Kachin State, which has good land for agriculture and livestock, is located on a border market trade route, said Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Tin Htut Oo.
The Union Minister made the remarks at a coordination meeting on agricultural production development in Kachin State at the Malikha Hall of the Kachin State Government Office on 29 April.
“With more than 774,000 acres of net cultivated land and abundant land resources that can be cultivated without harming the environment, the Union Ministry and the State Government will work together to bring about commercial agriculture and livestock farming, which is in demand not only for local food security but also for the region,” the Union minister added.
Next, the Union minister said that efforts should be made for the emergence of sustainable commercial agriculture.
“The Ministry will make arrangements for the use of new technologies and equipment for agriculture,” the Union minister continued.
“Efforts are being made to expand the livestock diploma course at Myitkyina State Agricultural Institute, and efforts are being made to upgrade the college level.
“Sunflower seeds will be supplied for planting as rainfed and winter crops. Arrangements will be made to meet the needs of livestock farmers.
“Instead of shifting cultivation, technology will be provided to develop upland farmland and low-cost and long-term farming in the hilly areas.
“To expand the establishment of plant pest control and animal disease control centres near border trade gates and collect waterways for the long-term sustainability of Indawgyi area is a must”, the Union minister added.
Discussions were held on the construction of dams where necessary and the systematic conservation of natural forests.
Then, Kachin State Chief Minister U Khat Htein Nan explained inputs for agriculture and livestock in the region.
Issues related to the development of private investment in the agricultural sector plus demands for technical and skilled human resources were also discussed.
Afterwards, the directors-general and state-level officials in charge of the agricultural sector presented the sector-specific activities and issues related to the development of agricultural production.
The meeting was attended by state ministers, directors-general from the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, Department of Agriculture, and Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, and state-level agricultural officials. —MNA