In an attempt to stimulate Myanmar’s lackluster agriculture economy, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), a major Korean development agency is planning to construct a post-harvest research centre in Napyidaw. The center will focus on modernizing Myanmar’s post-harvest techniques and educating farmers on the latest agricultural technology.
The center, located in a township in Naypyidaw Council Area, is expected to play a pivotal role in improving agricultural productivity. KOICA will provide 4.5 million dollars for the project and will cooperate with the Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation. The groundbreaking ceremony for the center was held on 6 June with Dr. Aung Thu, Myanmar’s Minister for Agriculture, in attendance. Construction is expected to be completed within 12-14 months.
The center will be the first of its kind in Myanmar and will focus on researching innovative techniques for post-harvest activities, including: packaging, processing, and storage of crops. Modernizing Myanmar’s post-harvest methods is essential to improving the country’s economy. Currently, Myanmar’s economy primarily depends on agriculture because of its vast abundance of farm lands; however, actual agricultural productivity is quite low. Antiquated farming techniques and obsolete technology is thought to be the main cause of Myanmar’s uninspiring output.
Myanmar government will contribute to the project by providing land, labour and administrative support.
