Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries officials have reported several positive achievements in their jurisdiction in 2023, highlighting stable rice prices, investment interest in cashew nuts, the protection of the Irrawaddy dolphin population and the combating of fisheries crimes as notable success stories.

The ministry is currently holding a January 25-29 annual review of 2023, and setting out its plans for the coming year.

Ministry spokeswoman Im Rachna told reporters on January 25 that the nearly 300 attendees will discuss the past year’s work in detail. They will conduct an analysis of the year’s successes and challenges in order to make this year’s plans as effective as possible.

“We noted that one sub-sector where we saw positive accomplishments was fisheries. We successfully protected the freshwater dolphin population and combated fisheries crimes,” she said.

Rachna explained that dolphin conservation activities could be regarded as a positive accomplishment because 2023 saw more births than deaths of the rare creature, known by its binomial name as Orcaella brevirostris.

“This was the first year that we recorded more calves born than deaths. In addition, our work to counter fisheries crimes in 2022 and 2023 was responsible for a five per cent increase in fish yields,” she said.

Regarding rice and cashew cultivation, Rachna said both crops are enjoying strong markets, with excellent profits for farmers, due in part to global food insecurity driven by the Russia-Ukraine war.

“During the 2023 harvesting season, the price of [milled] rice increased by more than in previous years.

“Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, cashew nut processing has drawn interest from many investors, while local businesses are also expanding production and working to met international standards. We export to see an increase in exports in the near future,” she added.

She noted that this year’s plans will be aligned with the government’s fifth and sixth priority policies, most notably the deployment of commune agriculture officials and new loan provisions, as well as the establishment of several modern farming associations.

The seventh-mandate government launched phase one of its Pentagonal Strategy, which comprises six priority programmes, upon its inauguration in August last year. The fifth and sixth are related to the agriculture sector.

The fifth programme focuses on establishing coordination mechanisms and financing to promote production, market access, and price stability for key agricultural products.

The sixth will see agricultural officials deployed to communes that are involved in agricultural activities throughout the Kingdom. It will also see the establishment of farming associations in rural areas.

Agriculture minister Dith Tina described the two priority programme as a “compass” which will steer agriculture policy towards success, ensuring stable supplies and prices.