Min Aung Hlaing Highlights Agriculture, Education, and Regional Development During Visit to Meiktila

Meiktila, The Gulf Observer: Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, visited Meiktila District in Mandalay Region where he met with district and township-level officials, local elders, and MSME entrepreneurs at Kandaw Mingala Hall to discuss regional development, economic resilience, and infrastructure enhancement.
Prior to the meeting, district and regional officials briefed the Senior General on the status of agriculture, livestock breeding, rehabilitation following the recent Mandalay earthquake, ongoing solar power and water distribution projects, as well as transportation and education initiatives. The Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung also presented updates on renewable energy and crop cultivation efforts.
Greening, Urban Planning, and Socioeconomic Development
In his address, the Senior General emphasized the need for self-reliance, noting that tangible progress depends on local effort regardless of the governing administration. He stressed the importance of greening the Meiktila area through tree-planting initiatives, recommending that at least two acres of green zones be established in every village and ward. He also called for replanting along major highways, including the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway.
Urban development, he said, must be carefully planned to avoid the use of essential farmland, thereby preserving national food security.
Energy, Education, and MSME Support
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing urged greater use of solar power at district and regional levels, forest conservation, and expanded kitchen crop cultivation. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to education for all school-aged children and addressed the low transition and attendance rates in Meiktila.
Highlighting the region’s higher education infrastructure—including Meiktila University of Economics—he called for collaboration between academic institutions, ministries, and locals to conduct research and apply practical solutions for regional development.
On the economic front, the Senior General noted that although there are no large factories in the district, MSMEs form the backbone of the local economy, particularly in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He called for targeted research into high-demand agricultural products and increased production to support value-added processing.
Massive Losses Due to Shortfalls in Crop Yields
The Senior General presented a detailed breakdown of losses incurred due to unmet agricultural targets in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. Key figures included:
- Monsoon paddy losses: K79.79 billion
- Summer paddy losses: K4.6 billion
- Groundnut losses: K46.89 billion
- Sesame losses: K580.48 billion
- Overall crop losses: Approx. K980 billion
He attributed the losses to low per-acre yields, stressing the need to optimize the four critical inputs in agriculture: seeds, soil, water, and techniques. He also encouraged the use of biofertilizer from livestock waste and systematic water management to improve yields.
Land Management, Elections, and Governance
The Senior General called for strict adherence to land use laws, including the Farmland Law and those governing vacant and virgin lands. He said officials must supervise land management as per legal guidelines.
Addressing the upcoming general election, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair multiparty vote by the end of the year. He stated that systematic preparations are in place to prevent fraud and include international observers, some of whom have already confirmed participation.
Factory Visits and MSME Promotion
Following the meeting, the Senior General visited several local businesses, including the Thein Min Chilli Powder Factory, established in 1980. The factory produces value-added chilli products sourced from multiple regions, showcasing them at MSME exhibitions to expand market access. The delegation also visited the Miba Myitta Rice Mill, where the Senior General inspected operations and provided guidance.