Myanmar has launched a new agriculture development strategy (ADS) for a period of next five years, a move that aims to transform the country’s agri-development agenda
The programme has been launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI), Asia Development Bank (ADB), UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund.
As Myanmar faces challenges such as lack of proper infrastructure in the rural areas, complex land tenure issue, low agricultural productivity and low international demands for agri-food products, the programme aims to see significant agri-production and emerge as the regional hub for agriculture.
As reported by the Myanmar Times, the ADS will identify the investment priorities for the growth of the sector in the medium and long-term.
The strategy is set to collaborate with the government, farmers and businesses for the successful implementation of the project. In addition, it will also promote the role of the private sector and farmers’ organisations in accelerating growth across Myanmar’s agri-value chain.
The agriculture sector in Myanmar contributes to about 37.8 per cent of GDP, said the source. Therefore, initiatives need to be taken to raise agriculture output and the sector’s contribution to the national growth.
Speaking to the source, U Aung Kyi Nyunt, chair of the agriculture, livestock and fishery development committee under the Amyotha Hluttaw, said that ADS is expected to help farmers and businesses to work with the government and international agencies to drive the sector to a new height.
