Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Bo Bo Kyaw inspected research and development works at the Department of Agriculture’s Division for Cotton and Fibre Crops, and at the Silkworm Research and Technological Development Centre in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Region, 19 September.
He observed research on mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, disease inspection, breeding and conservation of silkworm species, and the production of silkworm eggs for distribution to farmers. He also discussed development-related matters with officials.
The Deputy Minister then inspected the upgrading of spillways at Sinlan Dam and Sitha Dam, and maintenance of Sitha supporting dam in line with the guidance of the Head of State to ensure adequate water supply for PyinOoLwin area. The works included raising the Sinlan Dam spillway by two feet and the Sitha Dam spillway by three feet, as well as strengthening the structure of Sitha Dam.

Due to the two-foot higher spillway, the Sinlan Dam can store some 112 million more gallons, equivalent to 412 acre-feet, while the three-foot increase in the Sitha Dam spillway will provide an additional 72 million gallons, equivalent to 267 acre-feet. These quick-win projects are expected to deliver swift and effective water security for PyinOoLwin Township.

He visited the Myanmar Agricultural Machinery Factory (Ingon) in Kyaukse to inspect the trial production of paddy transplanters. Two models were being tested: one with a spacing of 23 centimetres for planting, preferred by Myanmar farmers, and another with the international standard spacing of 30 centimetres. He also observed design modifications to the picker system for improved planting performance.

At the meeting with officials, the Deputy Minister instructed that the design works for the 23-centimetre paddy transplanters, jointly developed by the Tatmadaw Heavy Industry (Sinte) and the Myanmar Agricultural Machinery Factory (Ingon), be completed within the designated timeframe.

MNA/KZL

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