CNI News

3 October 2024

The Myanmar Rice Federation will provide aids to farmers whose paddy farms were sunk due to flood and has appropriated 5,000 lakh kyats reportedly. 

Seeds and fertilizers would be provided to the flood-hit farmers, chairman of the Myanmar Rice Federation, U Ye Min Aung told CNI News.

" We have appropriated 5,000 lakh kyats to help the flood-hit farmers for the time being. If necessary any more, we'll search for finance to replenish. The main necessities are seeds and fertilizers. The area where paddy can be replanted is narrow. But in some places, there is a plan to replant the short term paddy. Farmers are interested in it as well. So, we are planning to help farmers with seeds and fertilizers. Moreover, if other crops such as peas and beans will be planted, we are planning to help farmers." he said.

In supplying seeds and fertilizers to the farmers, the MRF will give them free of charge or sell on credit.

While seeing some farm plantations that were damaged due to flood in Kani Township( photo-pyae aung naing facebook)

Some farmers have crop insurance at the rate of 1,000 kyats per acre at the Myanma Economic Bank and they got the money back at the rate of 30,000 kyat per acre.

Not only were farmers be able to reap their rainfed paddy, their seeds stored also were lost in the flood-hit areas in Shan State, Mandalay Region, Karen State, Bago, Magway, Ayeyarwady Regions, Mon State and the Naypyidaw Council Territory.

Although rainfed paddy was ruined, farmers must try to make a profit in the winter crop, former chairman of the Farmers Development Association U Thein Aung told CNI News.

" In the country, as you know, it's difficult to stand economically while battles are breaking out between the two sides. Farmers have to make up for damages and losses of this year in the winter crop cultivation." he said.

The MRF is making a list of farms that were damaged due to flood and it will start providing aids when the rainy season ends. 

He wanted to request businessmen to invest in the agricultural and livestock industries in the flood-hit areas, said chairman of the SAC.

The SAC has received 42.7 billion kyats from donors for the reconstruction of flood-hit areas.