Flooding, irrigation, crop insurance discussed at Pyithu Hluttaw

June 12, 2017

Land use in Nay Pyi Taw, reduction of flooding and the repair and construction of irrigation ditches were among the issues discussed at yesterday’ meeting of the Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw.

A total of eight questions were answered, one report approved, one motion put forward and receipt of one bill was acknowledged yesterday.

U Hla Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation replied to the question raised by U Thant Zin Tun of Dekkhinathiri constituency, “Nay Pyi Taw Sein Ta Lone Mango Zone is the currently uncultivated land and it is free from the cultivated area without permission. As for those who would like to make joint-venture plantation with the forest department in the forest land related with those areas, they are required to submit to the respective department in accord with rules and regulations. It has been decided to withdraw the lease of using the land unless any crops had been grown on the land till the end of 4 designated years. And, it has also been instructed to working committees for the management committees on vacant, fallow and virgin land in Nay Pyi Taw, regions and states to systematically carry out the tasks of withdrawal of leased land & to give out certificates of lease after making systematic measurement of the land which is actually-used on the ground.”

The deputy minister also replied to a question raised by U Kyaw Lwin Aung of Sedoktara constituency. “Arrangements had been made to reduce floods happening near Sedoktara town which is related to the catchment area of Kyee On Kyee Wa Reservoir. In the rainy season to come as well, necessary measurements will be made by closely watching the situation. In case untimely rainfall causes natural disasters, help will be provided under the instruction of the national management committee of natural disasters.”

Afterward, U Hla Kyaw replied to the question of U Kyaw Tin of Saw constituency.

“As regards the repairs of embankments and digging up the irrigation ditches, Peinhne embankment and Palwei embankment, which were currently under the control of the region, will be repaired as needed. According to the survey, up to five new reservoirs need to be built, but it is unlikely to implement and the cost of the project does not cover the benefits to be acquired. But irrigation ditches in Tay village and San village irrigation channels from Yaw creek to Pinhtaung creek are likely to be implemented, so designs are being drawn. Depending upon the budget allotment in the FY 2018-2019 of the regional government, arrangements will be carried out.”

The deputy minister then replied to the question raised by U Thaung Htay Lin of Patheingyi constituency. “Instructions had been given out to townships to take action against the uses in other ways without permission with a view to prevent the land damage ruin of lands, in accord with rules and laws. And regional government’s management committees for farming land instructed districts and townships management committees for farming land to scrutinise and take action against those who are abusing farming lands in other ways without permission, under section 19 of Land Law”, the deputy minister said.
The deputy minister also replied to queries raised by U Win Myint Aung of Dapayin constituency, U Sai Ba Thein of Lang Kho constituency, U Sein Aung of Paletwa constituency and U Tin Nu (a) U Tin Nu Aung of Manaung constituency.

U Myo Zaw Oo of Lewe constituency put forward a motion to urge the Government to promptly implement the giving of crop insurance for the sake of farmers who suffer nationwide from natural disasters and insects, with the Hluttaw deciding to second and to enroll the names of representatives for discussion. U Myo Zaw Oo said that farmers are suffering floods, torrents, droughts and risks of insects annually, hence the need to implement for ensuring crop insurances under the joint-venture programme between the government and the private sector in protection for farmers’ losses.

Today’s meeting performed the tasks of approving the report of Pyithu Hluttaw international relations committee, informing the receipt of law on repatriation of culprits (bill) sent by Amyotha Hluttaw with the amendment attached and announcing to enroll the names of parliamentarians to submit the motion for
amendment.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar