Nay Pyi Taw January 9
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commssion Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing this afternoon met township-level departmental officials and town elders in Thabaung of Ayeyawady Region to disucss regional develoment activities.
Also present at the meeting were Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, Chief Minister of Aye-yawady Region U Tin Maung Win, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of South-West Command, deputy ministers, township-level departmental officials in Thabaung, town elders and residents.
First, the Chief Minister of Ayeyawady Region reported to the Senior General on the data about the township, agriculture and livestock activities, local food security, test-cultivation of Robesta coffee species, prouction of quality seeds, requirements of drum seeders, disbursement of loans from the State Economic Dvelopment Fund to farmers to have agricultural inputs, establishment of forests to green the environment, efforts to supply efficient electricity, development undertakings for MSME businesses, and pro-motion of education, health and sports sectors.
Town elders requested the Senior General to provide better transport facilities for Thabaung Township and con-struct a vehicle terminal in the town.
Union Ministers U Min Naung and Dr Charlie Than discussed opportunities for farmers to seek assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation for promotion of agriculture and livestock sectors in the township, successful cultivation of Robesta coffee at the horticultural farms, distribution of quality strains of crops at fair prices, plans to disburse loans from the State Economic Development Fund to those wishing to expand livestock and fish production, needs to use farmlands under the prescribed laws and rules, and fulfillment of capitals, technoogy and inputs for development of MSME businesses.
In his speech, the Senior General said that Thabaung Township is a region focused on agricultural and livestock production. Rice is the main product for the township, with about 80 percent of the population living in rural areas and approximately 20 percent in urban areas. Therefore, there is a greater need to promote rural-based economic development.
It is necessary to produce higher-value rice from locally cultivated crops. Cultivation of high-quality Pawsan rice varieties in suitable areas help increase the incomes of individual farmers, and the circulation of money within the region can improve. If oil crops can also be successfully cultivated in Thabaung Township, it is desirable to expand the planting of crops such as sesame, groundnut, sunflower, and soybeans. Such cultivation would improve local oil security and significantly contribute to national oil self-sufficiency.
To develop agricultural activities, it is necessary to ensure access to high-quality seeds, improve soil conditions for cultivation through proper land preparation, and add agricultural inputs. Sufficient irrigation should be provided through river water pumping facilities, and farming should be carried out systematically and efficiently. All four elements—seeds, soil, water, and proper techniques must be fully addressed. In Thabaung Township, where bamboo is abundant, efforts should be made to develop a bamboo-based business by producing higher-value bamboo products.
Regarding livestock and aquaculture, it is necessary to carry out livestock breeding activities to ensure sufficient availability of meat, fish, and eggs in the region. To further develop agriculture and livestock farming, skilled professionals and knowledgeable human resources in these fields are required. As such, it is important to enhance the educational and technical skills of rural communities. Only when the region has abundant and well-trained human resources can local development and progress be significantly supported.
Looking at the historical events, conflicts, and disturbances that Myanmar has experienced, it becomes clear that a lack of knowledge and technical skills has been a fundamental factor. Using this understanding, internal conflicts have arisen due to both domestic and foreign instigations. Therefore, it is essential for all to improve the education sector to develop well-educated and skilled human resources within the country. In Thabaung Township, both town elders and local communities need to actively support the enhancement of education sector, as this will contribute significantly to the region’s development.
Economy of the nation is based on agriculture and livestock activities, so industrial, agricultural, livestock basic education high schools are being opened in districts. For the development of the Thabaung region, local residents must also make eff-orts, while the government will continue to provide necessary support. Regarding health, individuals must maintain balanced and proper nutrition to ensure physical strength and well-being. From a young age, children should consume nutritious foods to support pro per growth and development. Adults should continue to eat a balanced and healthy diet to maintain physical fitness and good health.
To enable the country to continue moving forward on the path of democracy, the first phase of the election was held on 28 December 2025. The second and third phases will be conducted in the near future. When casting votes, it is important for citizens to choose candidates who can emphasize the interests of their region and the nation, uphold Our Three Main National Causes, and work in partnership with a stable Tatmadaw, and contribute to the well-being of the country. During the first phase of the election, international observation teams visited to monitor and study the process and provided positive evaluations. Citizens who wish to see the country continue on the democratic path should participate in the elections and cast their votes. Through this process, they should select capable, educated, and experienced candidates who can serve the interests of both the region and the nation.
The Senior General cordially greeted the departmental officials, town elders and residents who attended the meeting.
