Myanmar implementing irrigation systems for summer paddy cultivation

Myanmar is proceeding with the cultivation of summer paddy using irrigation systems, based on the 2025-2026 monsoon season and the availability of irrigation water, said Dr. Ye Tint Htun, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation. The Deputy Minister Dr. Ye Tint Htun made this statement in response to a star question from U Aye Chan, People's Representative for the Hlaing Thar Yar (East) constituency, during the 32nd day of the 3rd regular session of the 3rd Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held on July 30. People's Representative U Aye Chan asked about the extent to which the relevant ministry plans and aims to increase the cultivation of summer paddy in addition to monsoon paddy, and by what percentage and in what periods. In response to the question, Dr. Ye Tint Htun, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, stated that they are developing and implementing short-term and long-term plans to increase paddy cultivation and production for food sufficiency and surplus, and that they are proceeding with summer paddy cultivation by expanding the irrigated cultivation area based on the availability of water sources. He added that based on Myanmar's monsoon season and the availability of irrigation water, they are planning and implementing paddy cultivation from the 2026-2027 fiscal year to the 2030-2031 fiscal year. He further stated that for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, they plan to cultivate 14.924 million acres of monsoon paddy and 2.928 million acres of summer paddy, aiming for a 19.62 percent capacity for summer paddy cultivation. Over the five-year period, by the 2030-2031 fiscal year, they aim to cultivate 15.06 million acres of monsoon paddy and 3.02 million acres of summer paddy, achieving a 20.05 percent capacity for summer paddy cultivation, said Dr. Ye Tint Htun, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.