UN seeks to bolster Myanmar agriculture: UN ESCAP chief

NAYPYIDAW, July 29 – The Bangkok-based United Nations regional chief for Asia and the Pacific arrived in the Myanmar capital on Tuesday to present a new study on sustainable agriculture and food security with hopeful implications for rural populations throughout the region.

In Myanmar the agricultural economy is the most important sector with 42 per cent of GDP and 70 per cent of the labor force.

UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) executive secretary Noeleen Heyzer, under-secretary general to UN chief Ban Ki-moon, went to Myanmar invited by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Htay Oo to present the ESCAP study.

“Launching the (poverty alleviation) study here in Naypyidaw is the beginning of (a United Nations-Asia Pacific) development partnership,” said Dr. Noeleen Heyzer.

"The (UN) provides a forum allowing groups of diverse countries to share experiences, to learn from peers, and coordinate their development activities for greater development impact through regional cooperation” to become crisis-resistant that Asia’s people will live “in greater freedom from want, from fear, and from discrimination.”

Dr. Heyzer will discuss agricultural economic policies for rice, credit, rural infrastructure and livelihood opportunities as possible stimulus measures for the economy and well-being of the people. The ESCAP chief will also meet with Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nyan Win, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Soe Tha and Civil Service Selection and Training Board chairman Kyaw Thu, among others.

It said the United Nations sees the survey and subsequent visit as the first step in a development partnership with the Myanmar government to discuss its agricultural economy and policy.

”Dr. Heyzer’s visit takes place at a critical time,“ UNIS reports. “Economic crisis has led to a loss of employment, income and fall in commodity prices, causing enormous hardships for people living in the rural sector throughout Asia.”

As nationals of Myanmar and other countries working abroad return home to rural areas, many countries now face the added challenge of providing incomes and livelihood for those in farming.

Carried out last year, the ESCAP study was issued this year at the request of member states for “analysis and policy options” for “food security and sustainable agriculture” at a time when the region faces volatility in food and fuel prices, and a worldwide economic crisis.

Ministers at ESCAP’s 56th Commission session in April reviewed the study’s key findings and sought policy responses from agencies, experts and national governments for member states’ further consideration.

ESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey 2008 presented key data showing that investment in agriculture is falling and that the absence of agricultural credit is driving farmers into debt. (PNA/TNA) ALM/rsm

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