Nay Pyi Taw August 19
Chairman of State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met departmental officials and local elders from Minbu at the Sasana Beikmandaw in Minbu this morning and discussed regional development. The Senior General also presented awards to a student who won the “The Whole Myanmar First” in science subject in the 2024-2025 matriculation examination with six distinctions and another six-distinction winner.
Also present on the occasion together with the Senior General were his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, SSPC Secretary Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo and wife, union ministers U Min Naung, U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Charlie Than, Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and wives, the Central Command commander, officials, members of the region cabinet, teachers and students.
The district commissioner presented a report on ongoing development undertakings and agriculture activities in Minbu District, efforts to meet the targets of the main crops, rice and edible oil sufficiency in the district, success in cotton cultivation, endeavours for production development with the financial assistance of State economic development funds, opening of basic education schools and industrial and agr-iculture schools and matriculation examination pass rate, town-wise preparation for the coming election.
The region chief minister presented a supplementary report on advancing agriculture activities in the district, efforts to increase per acre yield, efforts to ensure rice sufficiency.
Local elders from Minbu, on behalf of the townspeople thanked the Senior General for the arrangements to ensure potable water sufficiency in Minbu, repair the home for the aged, build the Sasana Beikmandaw, the pride of Minbu, and renovate roads. They also presented a report on the need to build a college and install a spare river pump for the pumping station, greater success achieved in agriculture and MSME businesses with the financial help from the State economic de-velopment fund.
Union ministers U Min Naung, U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Charlie Than explained matters relat-ing to field tours for growing rice species that are suitable with the area, grow high-yield and marketable rice species that are suitable with the area, further increase crop peracre yield, extend vineyards in accord with the local demand as Minbu region is achieving success in grape cultivation, extend cotton sown acreage, opening of indu-strial and agriculture schools for providing human resources, tree-growing plans for greening the dry areas, the need to pay attention to greening activities that prevent desertification, production of bamboo-based goods in Minbu district, industrialization of the production industry, efforts for MSME development, technological courses for value-added good production and availability of machines, the use of solar-power at Kanni river water pumping station and a reserve pumping for emergency cases.
Regarding the reports, the Senior General said the presentations included the need to extend Minbu road and universities. As for opening new universities, the pass rate of the district must be taken into account. The pass rate of Minbu District is decreasing. Plans to build polytechnic schools for students who passed the matriculation examination is in progress.
The number of students attending industrial and agricultural schools is low. The aim is already set to open advanced technological schools in all regions and states and some universities and colleges have fewer students. More Polytechnic universities will be opened and computer science and other available subjects will be taught.
Regarding road expansion, it has been stated that upgrades will be carried out in accordance with specified road features and standards. Due to the construction and sale of shops along both sides of the roads, there have been observed inconveniences for commuters. Therefore, the relevant ministry needs to take measures to regulate these shops.
Minbu town is a city with a rich historical tradition, known for its cultural heritage and notable figures. It is a matter of pride that the revered monk U Obhasa, a prominent poet from Minbu, composed eight of the ten great Jataka tales in prose for future generations to emulate. Similarly, it is well-known that U Ohn Maung, one of the nine martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Myanmar’s independence, was also a native of Minbu.
At present, the Minbu region is progressing, and it is hoped that efforts will continue to maintain and advance this development. For regional progress, a strong economy and increased productivity are essential. It is desired that agricultural businesses in the region achieve higher yields per acre to enhance the production of goods.
It has been announced that elections will be held starting from December 28 this year. Candidates from Minbu District should proactively plan and implement practical and fea-sible initiatives for regional development. They should serve with genuine dedication to the region’s welfare.
Administrative responsibilities are assigned at the regional, district, and township levels, with corresponding authority granted. Tasks must be carried out successfully in line with established policies. If there are initiatives that genuinely benefit the region, they can be proposed and implemented through the appropriate channels.
Regarding the economy, agriculture and livestock form the foundation of the country’s economic activities. Approximately 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas, with over half engaged in farming and livestock rearing. Administrative officials at the district and township levels need to understand local conditions and find ways to enhance productivity.
While Minbu District has sufficient rice production, rice sufficiency in Sidoktaya Township is declining. Therefore, efforts should be made to cultivate high-yield, quality rice varieties. Similarly, rice mills need to operate efficiently. By-products such as broken rice and husks from rice mills can be used to produce animal feed. Oil crops like sesame and peanuts can be processed into valuable products like sesame oil and peanut oil. Additionally, by-products like sesame and peanut cakes can also be used for animal feed. Therefore, it is hoped that livestock businesses in the Magway Region will be further developed. By improving agricultural and livestock production, the regional economy will prosper. Achieving higher yields per acre and enhancing productivity will greatly benefit the region.
For regional development, knowledge and skills are essential. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all school-age children attend school and that grade progression is smooth. The government is working to improve education nationwide, as a highly educated population will lead to greater expertise.
Minbu District is among the regions cultivating cotton. If cotton-based industrial production can be established as a model, it will greatly benefit the region. Similarly, for onion production, efforts should be made to produce canned onions and other products for long-term storage and use. In live-stock rearing, suitable animals such as poultry, pigs, cattle, goats, and sheep should be raised. As Minbu primarily focuses on agriculture and livestock, efforts should be made to further advance these sectors.
The Minbu region produces a significant amount of bamboo, which can be used to manufacture finished goods and paper. Therefore, it is suggested that bamboo be processed into pulp for sale. For oil crops, including sunflower cultivation, efforts should be made to increase production.
In education, it is a matter of pride that Maung Ju Thet Ko from Minbu Township has achieved triple distinction for three consecutive years in the university entrance exams, securing the whole Myanmar first place in the science combination with distinctions in six subjects. Similarly, Ma Han Nwe Moe Zin, who also achieved distinctions in six subjects, is a source of pride. It is hoped that this fine tradition will be maintained, and that continued success will be achieved.
Subsequently, the Senior General presented awards and cash prizes to Maung Ju Thet Ko, who secured first place nationwide in the science combination with six distinctions, and to Ma Han Nwe Moe Zin, who also achieved six distinctions.
After the ceremony, the Senior General warmly greeted the attendees.
