We are now at the ploughing ceremony of high yielding variety Sinshweli paddy which will be cultivated in three hundred acres who most special model farm in Mannsue village tract of Lashio and we have a chance to meet with officials from Myanmar Agriculture Service.
U Kyaw Shwe
Myanma Agriculture Service
He said that with the participation of member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association of Northern Shan State Peace and Development Council, Sinshweli, a high yield variety of paddy is doing well in Northern Shan State. It can be called the harbinger of self-sufficiency in the region. Northern Shan State with the population of 2.26 million is not self sufficiency in cereals. In terms of paddy requirement, the region produced 69 percent in 2001 and 88 percent in 2002. Sinshweli is yielding 150 baskets of paddy acre while traditional varieties produced only 59 baskets. Last year,25,000 acres were put under Sinshweli bring in increase. In the coming season 100,000 will be put under Sinshweli that means regional food sufficiency will become 103.92 percent as the region needs over 33 million baskets. We are now at the hill side cultivation of Kaung Kha special region 5 in Northern Shan State it is a hill side cultivation for alternative crops were pigeon beans, tea and other alternative crops are grown.
Myanmar Agriculture Service
A part from the cereals perennial plans such as rubber, tea, coffee and others area also making progress. Progress of cultivation, livestock breeding as income substitution in consonant with crop substitution of the 15 years Narcotic Elimination plan, is working. Highland farming in Kaung Kha is also under the substitute crop cultivation. 300 acres of land in put under crops, such as Pigeon beans, soy beans, buckwheat, sour apple or Chinsawkha coffee and tea. Another 500 land reclamation is underway and crops like pepper, orange and fibre crops are being experimented. The plateam in Nothern Shan State is fertile and endowed with considerable natural resources. Good planning combined with good implementation will surely bring about food results.
