“Poverty reduction in Myanmar is dependent on the development of the agriculture and livestock sectors,” said Myanmar President U Thein Sein in his opening speech during the national workshop on the Rural Development Strategic Framework, held on 18-19 November 2013 at the nation’s capital of Nay Pyi Taw.
President U Thein Sein’s message centered on the political, social, and economic reforms that must take place to bring political stability and lasting peace, and less incidence of poverty. He said that food security, rural development, poverty reduction, and a sustainable economy must develop parallel with the economic, social, health, and education sectors after peace and stability are restored.
The president also cited the important role of the international scientific community in providing technologies that will help ensure sustainable food production and preserve the country’s natural resources at the same time. “Myanmar has to exert utmost effort in the task of reducing the poverty rate from 26% to 16% by 2015.”
The IRRI Myanmar office put up an exhibit alongside the workshop that featured samples of new stress-tolerant high-yielding rice varieties selected during participatory varietal selection activities held in the Delta; and publications, videos, and posters depicting IRRI’s activities in Myanmar.
Madonna Casimero, IRRI representative for Myanmar, and May Nwe Soe, assistant scientist, were participants in the workshop, which was organized by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Rural Development and the Livelihood and Food Security Trust.
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