YANGON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw on Friday called for working with the united strength of farmers to uplift the socio-economic life of them.
In his message on the occasion of the country's Peasants' Day, U Htin Kyaw said the time is now opportune to work with heightened momentum for the all round development of the economy including the agricultural sector.
He stressed the need for not only to ensure food security for the country in view of the increase in population in the years ahead but to be able to raise the export of agricultural products to international markets.
He cited that in the year 2017-18, Myanmar was able to not only attain food sufficiency but to export 3 million tons of rice, setting a new record for the past seven decades.
In spite of the fact that 30 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) derives from the agricultural sector as 70 percent of the population are farmers, the socio-economic life of the peasantry is still low, the president pointed out.
In its efforts for the emergence of sustainable agricultural production, the government has laid down nine goals in order to uplift the socio-economic life of the people in rural areas as well as 11 goals to ensure food security, while encouraging increased local and foreign investment in the sector, he added.
The president also cited that a law and regulation to protect peasants' rights and promote their benefits have been formulated and a steering committee for the move has been formed.
