Success of farming-based production industry will propel regional and national development
NAY PYI TAW May 29
Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met MSME entrepreneurs from Pa-O Self Administered Zone in Hopong this afternoon and discussed regional and economic development.
Also present together with the Senior General were SAC member U Khun San Lwin, union ministers, the Shan State chief ministers, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Eastern Command commander and officials, Shan State level officials, officials of the leading body of the zone, town elders and officials.
Individual reports on MSME functions and requirements
Chairman of the leading body U Khun Ye Htwe explained the situation of the area, farming activities carried out with the help of national economic development funds, development undertakings, loan disbursement, ongoing MSME development programs, the existing potato cold storage and extension program, natural fertilizer factory under construction, local distribution and export of agro-products of the zone, and plans to manufacture valueadded goods.
Chief Minister U Aung Zaw Aye presented a report on MSME development undertakings in Shan State, Union’s financial aid for MSME development in the zone, farming activities in the zone and profits.
Hopong Towsnhip Rice Millers Association Chair U Yan Naing Oo, Daw Hang Hkam Noe of Naungkham Coffee Group, U Aung Htay Oo of Shweaung Myay Fruits Group, In charge of Myaseinyaung Dried Tea and Tea Wine U Aung Thu, Naungtaya Potato Cultivation and General Business Cooperative Society Chair U Khun Hsan Oo and other entrepreneurs discussed State’s financial assistance for extension of coffee sown acreage and coffee industry development in the zone, additional potato cold storage erection project, natural fertilization production and extension of factories, financial assistance for extension of cement factories, electricity supply, and regional development needs.
The Senior General asked for more information and looked into the requirement.
Sector-wise clarification of union ministers
In response, the union ministers explained further financial assistance from State which will be possible only after the previous loans it has disbursed under various headings are repaid, loan procedures for entrepreneurs, availability of soft loans for business extension, effective use of loans for success of businesses and loan repayment date, provision of machinery and financial aids to cooperative societies set up for rural socio economic development and income generation, availability of quality seeds and other inputs at the local branches of the relevant ministries, increase in the forested areas of Hopong Township and buffer zone extension programs, conservation of Menae mountain range in the area which is a valuable provider of water and other important resources, ministry wise and region/state wise support for MSME development, registration rules and other issues.
The chief minister explained swiftest measures to be taken in fulfilling individual requirements on which serious attention is paid.
Support production businesses based on rural economy
As regards regional and economic development, the Senior General said the country is now practicing multi party democracy economic system. Farmingbased production industry, the main business of the country, must be promoted for national economic growth. The industry must be encouraged as 72 percent of country’s population is rural people. Production of highly demanded goods will generate income. Goals have been set for success of agriculture and breeding industry.
Production growth increase demand and supply. Low production capacity is the cause of our country’s sluggish economy.
Manufacturing industries use raw materials from above and underground and underwater.
Aboveground raw materials such as agriculture and livestock breeding farms have certainty of manufacturing. It can be seen that per acre yield of paddy in Pa-O region reaches 67 baskets per acre. If they grow paddy meeting the target of per-acre yield, it will much benefit the region. Likewise, it is necessary to cultivate and produce other crops to meet the target yield.
Hence, they have to use high yield strains of paddy, prepare soils, use fertilizers, supply water for successful cultivation and apply systematic agricultural techniques for increasing peracre yield of crops in Pa-O region.
They have to effectively utilize the cultivable lands. If they put too much reliance on cultivation of crops, the farmlands may face dryness of water, harming agricultural tasks. It can be seen that cultivation of coffee and tea is less production. If they use correct agricultural techniques, per-acre yield of crops will increase more than now.
Agricultural products exist in Pa-O region for production of animal feeds. Hence, local farmers can improve livestock farms by manufacturing foodstuffs
in the region. The root cause of high prices of agricultural goods depends on unbalance of supply and demand and production charge. The Senior General urged all to successfully undertake livestock farms in Pa-O region while distributing products at reduced prices. Officials have to arrange production of necessary raw materials in Pa-O region.
The Senior General pointed out that inputs are required for successful operating the manufacturing process based on agriculture and livestock farms.
They have to use biofertilizers from livestock farms as natural fertilizers. The Senior General called for generating hydropower more than consumption of electricity based on fuel. Electricity projects in Shan State were delayed for various reasons.
Only when they can consume electricity will they accelerate manufacturing. Likewise, electricity can be used in transport sector. Hence, efforts must be made for generating electricity in Pa-O region The government is encouraging production of the neem pest included in the inputs. The government disburses loans as capitals to the manufacturing industries under the relevant financial rules and regulations.
Priority is being given to manageable scale industries.
In operating industries, their products must be cheaper than similar products and the products at same prices must have higher quality.
Encouraging education sector
The Senior General stressed the need to turn out good human resources to operate manufacturing industries. It can be seen that number of students declines in relevant academic years. Myanmar faces weakness in education sector. Lesser knowledge in school education reflects weak techniques and skills. Hence, people are difficult to have livelihoods.
Currently, 51 basic education high schools in 50 districts open industrial, agriculture and livestock courses. It will help outstanding students learn higher education. If so, human resources will be on the rise for agriculture, livestock farms and industries. So, all must have to strive for improvement of education qualification. They all have to encourage education promotion in Pa-O region.
Encouraging the MSME businesses aim to increase production, substitute import goods and export products to foreign countries. If products are manufactured at home to meet the target, import volume can be reduced. The government will fulfill requirements of agricultural tasks in Pa-O region. Pa-O region possesses vast cultivable lands. In order to successfully operate agricultural tasks, it is necessary to conduct research on agricultural tasks for ensuring high peracre yield.
Sound foundations have been possessed in Pa-O region for tourism industry. Hence, locals have to participate in beautification of the region to attract travellers.
The Senior General said he arrived there to fulfill the needs for development of MSME businesses in Pa-O region. All need to work for development of economy. Man matters most for works. Hence, those residing in Pa-O region are to strive for development of the region.
The Senior General cordially greeted MSME businesspersons.
The Senior General viewed round domestic products, foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, traditional handiworks and clothes, interestingly visited each booth and asked about market shares of each product. The businesspersons conducted the Senior General round the booths.
In the afternoon, the Senior General and party arrived at Hopong Yayhtwetgyi in Hopong and inspected conservation of the spring. Officials reported on conservation measures.
After hearing the reports, the Senior General stressed the need to beautify the lake and its environs. Moreover, local people are to be educated not to dispose waste around the lake. It is necessary to build the fence around the bund and clean bushes. The Senior General gave guidance on setting the site for visitors to take a bath and sites for the people to a rest around the lake. And, the Senior General visited the lake.
In the evening of 28 May, the Senior General and party paid homage to Culamuni Lawka Chantha Pagoda and Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Taunggyi of Shan State (South) and offered flowers and water.
After presenting donated cash, the Senior General went round the pagodas clockwise and gave guidance on maintenance for long term existence and magnificence. The Senior General then signed the visitors’ books of the pagoda.