CNI News
May 25, 2026
Sai Tun Lin, a Member of Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw) from the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), told CNI News that he plans to submit the difficulties and crises faced by local residents in Mone Township, Namsang District, Southern Shan State, to Parliament in order to find solutions.
Mone Township is one of the townships with the largest number of paddy acres in Shan State. Local residents mainly rely on agriculture, with over 10,000 acres of paddy fields and over 10,000 acres of upland crops.
Sai Tun Lin stated that farmers' issues will be prioritized in parliamentary discussions, noting that the livelihoods of farmers are currently in a deeply concerning state.
"From my perspective, the region is currently unstable. Due to this instability, there is a lack of the rule of law. It makes earning a living and daily survival very difficult. For instance, farmers are not receiving agricultural loans to cultivate their crops. Although there are promises to provide them, Mone Township—which I represent—is not included in the 100-day project. Frankly, the country has many needs, but priority must be given to the farmers on the ground who are genuinely suffering. In previous years, Mone Township experienced flooding, and they couldn’t cultivate paddy. The crops that were planted were destroyed by the floods. Now, they don't even have the capital to replant. Therefore, we are arranging for them to access loans to get capital. Rural agricultural roads are also damaged. Furthermore, there are restrictions that prohibit the transportation of local produce from one place to another," Sai Tun Lin said.
Farmlands seen in Mone Township.
The MP added that he will also strive to ensure that farmers in Mone Township receive good prices for their agricultural products.
"The harvested garlic and other produce only fetch about 2,000 to 3,000 Kyats per viss. Under these circumstances, the livelihood of these farmers is extremely worrying. Therefore, to ensure their products sell well, to help them regain capital, and to increase crop yields, it is necessary to properly provide pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, nowadays, farming is no longer done with cattle, so we need to provide machinery. I am trying to prioritize getting good market prices for their crops," he said.
It is reported that farmers in Mone Township are currently facing hardships because agricultural cultivation loans have not yet been disbursed to them. Since they are excluded from the Agricultural Development Bank's 100-day plan, they will not receive loans in time for the cultivation season, causing significant delays.
Furthermore, over 7,000 acres of paddy fields were destroyed by floods in Mone Township during the 2024–2025 season. In the 2025–2026 season, farmers suffered losses due to a decline in local yields alongside rising labor and agricultural input costs. Consequently, farmers are facing numerous challenges.
Farmlands seen in Mone Township.
Sai Tun Lin told CNI News that while commodity prices on the ground are steadily rising, the farmers' produce does not fetch its deserved value. He intends to question and present these disparities in Parliament.
"Mainly, there is a lot to be done in our country. But first and foremost, I must address the needs of the people I represent regarding roads, bridges, and electricity. Right now, the rainy season is approaching. In my region, it floods every year. Silt enters the rivers, creeks, and dams, and trees grow on top of that silt. Because of this, about 7,000 acres were flooded and destroyed last year. The relevant department has informed me that they will conduct field inspections and resolve this matter quickly. Commodity prices have skyrocketed, but the prices of produce from grassroots farmers have not increased. I am considering asking in Parliament whether the government has a plan to do something using certain methods so that farmers do not suffer from this disparity," he said.
The current new government is implementing a 100-day project from April 20 to July 30, 2026. This 100-day project includes matters such as increasing loans for farmers, trade, peace, and energy.
