Rakhine needs technology, capital for growing spring rice

Narinjara News, 13 January 2023

There are a number of freshwater streams and rivers across Rakhine State, but the spring rice is yet to be cultivated widely. 

The local farmers said that the government began various irrigation projects with the river water for planting spring rice seeds, but the farmers have not shown interest in it.

"We are interested in cultivating the spring rice. But we don't have enough technological support. Moreover we don't have the capital either. The government is also not helping us. We understand that the spring rice will be beneficial for us,” said a farmer.

Across the State, there are about 1.2 million acres of rice field, where the rain rice is planted once a year. But the spring rice is yet to planted.

"We should plant rice seeds twice a year-once in the rainy season and the other in the summer. In our neighbouring Bangladesh, the rice is planted three times a year. We should do it at least twice a year," he added.
On 7 January, the Kisapanadi river irrigation project was launched for planting the spring rice in Thawinkaing village-tract under Kyauk Taw township. The irrigation and water utilization management department (water resources) initiates to start the operation.

However, it is reported that the farmers are less interested in planting the spring rice as they do not have the technology as well as capital.

U Shwe Kyaw Hla, in-charge of Kyauk Taw township department (for irrigation and water utilization management), said that the farmers have to bear a number of expenditures (cultivation, harvesting and plowing). It would be better if the concerned department supports the farmers.

“The departments have also announced that they would provide necessary support. We are actually working together with them,” added Shwe Kyaw Hla.

Last year, the spring rice was cultivated only in 50 acres of land in Kyauk Taw township, where the other araes did not witness the specific farming.
Several electric river water supply projects are in operation for helping the farmers to cultivate the spring rice in the upper areas of Kalatan, Laymyo and Mayu rivers.

All Rakhine Farmers’ Union president U Kyaw Zan said, "The yield of rainfed rice cultivation has been decreasing every year. The lack of rain during the planting season has negatively impacted riceproduction. So, the spring rice should be a good option. The international community (including the United Nations) should support the initiative.”

 He insisted that the Rakhine farmers desperately need the modern technology and financial support to make the spring paddy cultivation a successful venture.