YANGON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar Vice President U Henry Van Thio has called for working towards the production of food safe for consumption and the development of living standard in rural areas to properly feed the growing population and nurture the future generation into healthy and able-bodied citizens.
The vice president made the call at a function in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday to mark the World Food Day, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Thursday.
"Such a monumental task required the assistance of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the effective implementation of government policies with public cooperation," he said.
Only an absence of hunger can bring about nutritional sufficiency and robust health and can elevate education and drive socio-economic development, he added.
While Myanmar was receiving international assistance to meet the development goals, he reminded that Myanmar people must be the main drivers for change.
Myanmar planted over 60 varieties of crops in the country according to the seasons throughout the year.
The government had set in place a strategic plan to develop agriculture in order to realize sufficient food productions system that is both safe and nutritional.
The vice president said that Myanmar was able to produce sufficient staple food of rice and other crops for domestic consumption and exported the surplus.
