( 1 ) Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Ghana

Yangon, 6 March-Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr John Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Ghana which falls on 6 March 2001.

More paddy, cotton, sugarcane and beans and peas, kitchen and suitable crops to be cultivated in Shan State (North) General

Maung Aye meets departmental officials in Lashio

Yangon, 5 March-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, left here for Lashio in Shan State by Tatmadaw flight on 3 March and arrived there at 10.15 am.

General Maung Aye and party were welcomed at Lashio Airport by members of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung and officials. General Maung Aye and party met members of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, Chairmen of Lashio, Muse, Kyaukme, Kunlon and Laukkai District Peace and Development Councils and officials at the meeting hall of North-East Command.

General Maung Aye said that measures are to be taken to ensure the prevalence of peace and stability in the country, economic progress and strong defence capability so as to build the nation into a strong one. In the time of the present government, endeavours have been made to ensure peace and stability in the State; altogether 17 armed groups returned to the legal fold, and they are now participating in regional development tasks under the leadership of the government, he said.

He added that as there is peace and stability in the country, the government laid down political, economic and social objectives for modernization of the nation and is implementing them in earnest. Due to these correct objectives, considerable success has been achieved. Beginning 1992-93, the government implemented the short-term Four-Year Economic Plan to bolster up the economy of the country, and more progress has been made than expected in implementing the plan. After the first Four-Year Plan, another short-term Five-Year Economic Plan was implemented, which will be completed at the end of this month. It is found that success to be achieved will exceed the target, he said. The third short-term Five-Year Plan will be implemented starting 2001-2002, and tasks to be done in states and divisions have been assigned. (See page 6) More paddy, cotton, sugarcane and With a view to building a industrialized nation, industrial sector is to be extended with the development of agricultural sector and capital, resources, technical knowhow and human resources are needed for extension of the industrial sector.

Therefore, the government is making systematic arrangements for human resource development, he said. The General cited that universities and colleges have been opened for producing qualified educated persons in the states and divisions simultaneously and multimedia teaching centres were also opened at basic education schools for raising the same level of education. In transport sector, he said roads and bridges are being built spending large sums of money for long-term interests of the people and the nation. The General spoke of the need to make arrangements for rice sufficiency for increasing population in Shan State (North) during the third short-term Five-Year Plan.

These arrangements will contribute toward the State's objective of supplying enough food to the people when population reaches 100 million in the country, he added. He spoke on constructing irrigation networks and annual implementing water-pumping project and underground water project for double cropping and extended cultivation acreage and providing quality strains and techniques. The General said , paddy, cotton, sugarcane and beans and pulses which are pillars in agriculture, kitchen crops and other suitable crops are to be cultivated in the region for surplus. Sugar, cotton, sesamum, beans and pulses and corn fetch good price in the world market and officials are urged to organize farmers to cultivate crops for raising socio-economic life of local people and regional development.

He also urged personnel discharging duties in Shan State (North) to make endeavours for realization of the Five-Year Economic Plan with the can-do attitude for development of Shan State. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha reported on quarterly progress for 2000-2001, production, improvement of individual income, ratio of Shan State (North) in production and service value of the State and data about projects implemented in states and divisions. Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo reported on implementation of 2000-2001 Plan for Shan State (North), prospects at the end of the plan, arrangements for the third Five-Year Plan, export and import condition of border trade in Muse, revenues collected and construction of rural roads.

The Secretary-3 said cultivation of beans and pulses increased in Shan State (North) and Myanmar is the second largest beans and pulses exporting country in the world. He spoke of the need for officials at different levels to organize farmers for more cultivation of beans and pulses which is beneficial to themselves and the country. Like beans and pulses, corn gets market and it can easily be cultivated in any place.

Tea leaf also has wide market. More production will be made if conventional cultivation of tea leaf can be reformed in Kyaukme and Namhsam regions. Kokang, Wa, Hsenwi and Hsipaw regions have favourable conditions for cultivation of tea leaf. The Secretary-3 spoke of the need to make arrangements for cultivation of short-and-long-term crops and seasonal plants after reclamation of fallow and virgin lands in Shan State (North). He also stressed the importance of rice sufficiency in the region and said there are better prospects for livestock and breeding.

In mining sector, production can be boosted in cooperation with private entrepreneurs. Chairman of Lashio District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Win, Chairman of Muse District Peace and Development Council, Lt-Col, Myint Thein, member of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council U Tin Maung Oo, Chairman of Kunlon District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Yu and Chairman of Laukkai District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Tin reported on cultivation targets for 2000-2001 and actual cultivation, rice sufficiency in the region, programmes for cultivation of annual and perennial crops and preparations for realization of the objectives of the short-term Five-Year Plan which will start 2001-2002. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on arrangements for emergence of tea leaf plantation of world level.

Then, the General said that today efforts are to be exerted to make progress through competitiveness. All are to work hard to ensure that the region where they are assigned duty does not lag behind others in development. There are wide expanses of fallow and virgin land in Shan State (north), and those wishing to invest are to be organized to reclaim fallow and virgin land. Arrangements are to be made to encourage the use of agricultural machinery. Only when machinery is used, will productivity improve and will the cost of living decrease. The products are to be sold competitively. The government is taking measures to reduce the gap of development between rural and urban areas, and priority is to be given to construction of rural roads and development of rural areas.

Only when the rural areas develop, will townships develop, and only when townships develop, will districts, states and divisions develop. In conclusion, the General urged departmental officials to work hard for the development of regions where they are assigned duty. Then, the General had a cordial meeting with the departmental officials. Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veteran Organization Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, together with members of the Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Col Thein Nyunt, met with the chairman and members of Shan State (North) War Veteran Organization Supervisory Committee, chairmen and members of Lashio, Kyaukme, Muse and Kunlon District War Veteran Organization Supervisory Committees and members of the Organizing Committee of Lashio Township War Veteran Organization.

The Secretary-3 made a speech. Secretary of Shan State War Veteran Organization Supervisory Committee Police Col Thein Han reported on the work done by the supervisory committee. Minister Col Tin Hlaing gave an additional report. Then, the Secretary-3 gave instructions and had a cordial meeting with those present. General Secretary of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung and Central Executive Committee members Col Tin Hlaing, Col Thein Nyunt and Brig-Gen Khin Maung met with secretaries and executives of Shan State, District and Township USDAs. Secretary of Shan State (North) USDA U Aye Thaung reported on organizational work. General Secretary U Than Aung and CEC member Col Tin Hlaing gave instructions.

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( 2 )  General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San pay obeisance to Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image in Lashio

Yangon, 5 March-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San together with Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint and wife Daw Khin Cho Oo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Military Affairs and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, military command commanders, ministers and senior military officers paid obeisance to Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image on Zeyahema Hill in Lashio at 6.40 pm on 3 March. The General and party offered gold foils to the Image. Then, the General and wife made cash donation towards the funds of the Image through the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, who accompanied the General, also donated cash towards the funds of the Image.

Secretary-1 inspects carving of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

Yangon, 5 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt arrived at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept, at 6 pm today. The Secretary-1 was welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, officials, scholars and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected carving the Image and sample installation of " Thinkyittaw" at the Image. Officials and technicians reported on progress of work. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected Myanmar handicraft installed at the northern stairway. He then gave necessary instructions to officials and left Mindhamma Hill at 6.30 pm.

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( 3 ) Seventh meeting of Fourth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha continues for second day

Yangon, 5 March - The second-day programme of the seventh meeting of the Fourth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha was held at the Maha Pasana Cave, Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Koehsaung Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Administration) of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, officials of the Religious Affairs Department and the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and heads of State/Division and District Religious Affairs Department.

Vice-Chairman of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Suriya Bhivamsa presided over the meeting and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Ke-sara acted as master of cere-monies. In his supplication, the commander said that according to the decision of the second meeting of the First State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee that a pagoda should be built at a suitable place to mark the successful conclusion of the first meeting of the Ganas of the Sangha of All Orders and the unity of the Ganas of the Sangha of All Orders, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Religious Affairs formed the Central Committee for the Building of Maha Wizaya Pagoda in 1980, and assigned duty to Yangon Division People's Council. The Central Committee had the pagoda built for public obeisance and enshrined in it Nagasiwara Padapadima Buddha Image and sacred caskets presented to the President of the State by the King and Queen of Nepal.

A seven-member pagoda board of trustees was formed and assigned duties beginning 26 November 1991 to maintain and renovate the pagoda, and the pagoda board of trustees has extended a period of third term and is carrying out maintenance and renovation work. Under the supervision of the committee for the building of the pagoda, the pagoda and 24 encircling stupas were gilded for the first time in 1992 at a cost of K 20 million. In 1994, Htidaw was renovated and gilded at a cost of K 700,000. In 1996, the pagoda and 24 encircling stupas were gilded at a cost of K 30 million. In 1997, Hngetpyawphu was offered 305 gold foils, and the pagoda was gilded for the fourth time at a cost of K 23.2 million. In 1999-2000, the pagoda and 24 encircling stupas were gilded again for the fifth time at a cost of K 26.5 million. This year, Shwethingan was offered to the pagoda at a cost of K 24.5 million.

The pagoda was gilded six times at a total cost of over K 125.6 million. Then, member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha discussed the report of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee on the tasks carried out in a year's time. Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Okkamsavara of Mandalay Division, Gantha-vacara Pandita Bhaddanta Kundala of Magway Division and Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta ‚intitalan-kara of Ayeyawady Division discussed Vinicchaya affairs, Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Aggasara of Sagaing Division, Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Indaka of Yangon Division and Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Agga Dhammabhivamsa of Shan State (South) religious affairs and Bhaddanta ‚andana of Bago Division and Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Arsara of Mon State education affairs. In the afternoon session, Joint Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta ‚andima explained matters related to the report of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and sought the approval of the meeting. Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriyabhivamsa presented State Vinayadhura certificates to member Sayadaws of State Vinicchaya Committee. Fifteen State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, the Chairman Sayadaw, the Secretary Sayadaw, Sayadaws of all Ganas and delegate Sayadaws of states and divisions signed in the record book concerning the election of new member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, resolutions, matters approved and matters placed on record. Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriya-vamsa read the concluding speech of the Chairman Sayadaw of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, which brought the meeting to an end.

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( 4 )  Deputy Prime Minister receives Ambassador of Brunei

Yangon, 5 March-On behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Tun received Ambassador Pengiran Dato Paduka Asmalee Ahmad of Brunei Darus-salam, who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 10 am today. Also present at the call was Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister meets foreign guests

Yangon, 5 March-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Resident Representative Mr Kim Kuk Tae of Starnesia Cooperation of Korea and party at his office this afternoon. The minister also met Chief Representative Luo Yan of China National Constructional & Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation of the People's Republic of China at 2 pm. Chief Representative Luo Yan presented US $ 100,000 for construction of high school and Township Union Solidarity and Development Association Office in Kyaukse Township.

Malaysian Minister of Fine Arts and Tourism arrives

Yangon, 5 March- At the invitation of the Minister for Hotels and Tourism, a Malaysian delegation led by Minister of Fine Arts and Tourism Mr Dato Abdul Kadir bin Hajisheikh Fadzir arrived here by air this evening. The Malaysian delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Muhammad Bin Noh, the director-general and the managing director of department and enterprise of the ministry.

H&T Minister receives Director from Britain

Yangon, 5 March-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Internal Project Director Mr Peter Conlan of Doulos Co, Britain at his office at 12.30 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials.

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( 5 )  Foodstuffs donated by people handed over to Tatmadawmen at far-flung forward areas

Yangon, 5 Mar-A group led by Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies Col Than Tun conveyed the foodstuffs donated by the people to the Tatmadawmen discharging duties in far-flung forward areas and border areas this morning. The group together with the officials from Triangle Region Command and Forward LID handed over the foodstuffs to the Tatmadaw-men at the camps through the camp commanders. Col Than Tun said that people are supporting the Tatmadawmen discharging duties at the front upholding Our Three Main National Causes; their gifts can be calculated in terms of cash, but their benevolence is immeasurable, and priceless; and the Tatmadawmen are to understand the benevolence of the people; and we are attacking Ywet Sit's SURA relying on the army of another nation is only a group trafficking heroin which will destroy the entire human race. He also explained current news to the Tatmadawmen in detail. Col Than Tun and group transported foodstuffs to Tachilek by car.

Minister for A&I inspects site chosen for construction of Kyawzee water pumping station in Taungtha Township

Yangon, 5 March-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected the site chosen for construction of Kyawzee water pumping station near Kyawzee Village in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division on 4 March. Director-General of Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe reported on position of riverbank, waterways and areas for water supply. The minister inspected canals and chose the site for relay water pumping stations. The minister and party arrived at the site for construction of Ngathayauk water pumping project in Bagan-NyaungOo region and inspected position of the Ayeyawady River and the main water pumping station. The minister inspected the water pumping station and irrigated areas and gave instructions on water supply, double cropping and choice of crops.

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( 6 ) Title recipients of Ministry of Health honoured

Yangon, 5 March-A ceremony to honour title recipients of Ministry of Health for 2001 was held at the meeting hall of Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, rectors, directors, heads of departments, medical superintendents, medical heads of states, divisions and districts and staff. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein made a speech on the occasion. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein, the deputy ministers and officials presented cash and certificates of honour to 36 service personnel who were conferred titles. On behalf of title recipients, Medical Superintendent of Yangon General Hospital Dr Min Swe spoke words of thanks.

Seminar on Tariff Appraisal opens

Yangon, 5 March-Seminar on Tariff Appraisal was opened at the meeting hall of Ministry of Finance and Revenue this morning with an opening address by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein. Also present were Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General Lt-Col Khin Maung Lin of Customs Department, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the easiness and flexibility of appraisal are an urgent need for all trade organizations of the world. Customs Department is included as a part in world trade. It plays a major role to follow bye-laws, procedures and limits on trade. Myanmar is trying her best to use tariff appraisal system as a member country of the World Customs Organization. He said he believed experts will openly discuss procedures and needs for practising the system and participants will get a chance to have a discussion in return. Then, Mr Masaharu Shimoya of WCO gave an account of the seminar. The seminar will continue till 9 March.

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( 7 ) Air-conditioner-seats donated to Sayadaws

Yangon, 5 March- Air-conditioner-seats were donated to Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title recipient Sayadaws, who are 80 years and above, attending the Seventh meeting of the Fourth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha. The ceremony was held at the office of the Minister for Religious Affairs at noon today. Managing Director of Silver Mountain Company Limited U Tin Oo presented ten Air-conditioner-seats. Minister U Aung Khin accepted the donations. Air-conditioner-seats worth K 31,500 and Far infrared ray patting and circulation Massage and Master Massage to be donated to sayadaws are available at Myanma Spectacles Shop on Kaba Aye Hill. Minister U Aung Khin accepted K 100,000 donated by U Thein Hlaing, Daw Khin Htay and family of No 7, Shwe Hlaing Street, Kyimyindine and K 50,000 by U Khin Hlaing Tun, Daw Khin Mar Wai and family to hoist htidaw atop Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda.

Chairman Sayadaw donates robes to State Ovadacariya Sayadaws

Yangon, 5 March- Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita donated robes to State Ovadacariya Sayadaws attending the Seventh Meeting of Fourth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha at Apara Gawyana Hall on Kaba Aye Hill at 4 pm today. At the ceremony, the Chairman Sayadaw donated a CYC robes set each to Ovadacariya Sayadaws.

All-round renovation carried out at Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda

Yangon, 5 March- Gold foils and gold plates offering to Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda, preparations for hoisting Htidaw and Hnget-myatnadaw atop the pagoda and all-round renovation are being undertaken by the State in line with the Ovada of members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. Member of All-round Renovation Committee for the Pagoda Commanding Officer of the local battalion Lt-Col Win Shein and officials offered scented water at the pagoda. This morning, offering of gold plates and gold foils started at the pagoda today.

Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannava, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Win Shein, Secretary U Tin Soe of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials supervised gold plate offering tasks. Devotees of various regions of the country paid obeisance and donated lights to the pagoda and performed meritorious deeds. Members of the Sangha and the public donated cash towards the funds of the pagoda and offered gold foils.

At the fund raising unit of the pagoda, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Win Shein, Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees Maj Aung Chit (Retd), Secretary U Tin Soe and officials accepted the gold plate weighing two ticals donated by U Chit Maung-Daw Saw Kyi of Mawlamyine, K 400,000 by disciples with the auspices of Kaba Aye Sunlungu Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vinay and Bhaddanta Vara, K 50,000 by U Thaung Kyi-Daw Tin Shwe and family of Magway, K 50,000 by U Mya Thaung-Daw Thein Yi, K 60,000 by U Kyaw Soe-Daw Ohnma Khin and other wellwishers. In the evening, Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aung observed offering of gold plates at the pagoda.

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( 8 ) Tatmadaw columns continue practising drills

Yangon, 5 March-Tatmadaw columns which will take part in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade continued practising drills from 5.30 am to 9.30 am today. Under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min, Tatmadawmen of Anawratha Column led by Col San Aye Hla, Kyansittha Column led by Col Sein Win, Bayintnaung Column led by Col Aye Myint Maung, Nawadae Column led by Capt Aye Pe (Navy), Aungzeya Column led by Col Thein Hlaing, Hsinbyushin Column led by Col Myo Thant (Air), Bandoola Column led by Col Zaw Win Myint, Myawady Column led by Kyaw Htoo Lwin and Aung San Column led by Col Hla Ngwe participated in the drills. Chairman of Scrutinizing Work Committee for Best Parade Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of Security Work Committee for Observance of the Armed Forces Day Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Commandant of Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu, Tatmadaw officers and officials inspected the drills.

Workers Affairs Management Course No 6 begins

Yangon, 5 March-The opening ceremony of Workers' Affairs Management Course No 6 was held at the six-storey building on Strand Road this morning. It was attended by Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Win Sein, departmental heads and trainees. The Minister gave an opening address at the ceremony. Altogether 30 trainees from the ministry are attending the three-week course.

Speaking on the occasion, the commander said that agriculture and livestock breeding tasks are to be carried out by the battalion, by the company, on a manageable scale and under the joint venture system; arrangements are to be made to sell vegetables, meat, fish and eggs to families of the battalion and at the tax-free markets at reasonable prices; saplings for windbreaks must be nurtured, and cultivation of shade trees is to be extended in the rainy season; and it is necessary to grow and produce banana plantations on a commercial scale. Then, the commander inspected the raising of 7,700 hens and over 20,000 broilers, and fulfilled the requirements of the poultry farm. Afterwards, the commander inspected 300 papaya plants, onion top plantations and brinjal plantations. In the briefing hall, the officiating commanding officer reported on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of the local battalion. The commander attended to their needs and gave instructions on cultivation tasks to be carried out all the year round. Then, the commander inspected preparations for selling ginger and onion Commander inspects agriculture, livestock breeding  at the delivery process of catfish and river catfish, pedigree fish ponds, 10 fish breeding ponds and breeding of 320 pigs. The local battalion in Gyogon, Insein Township, is undertaking to cultivate 30 acres of vegetable patches and breed 30,460 fowls, 438 ducks, 320 pigs, 23 cows, 38 goats and 110,000 fish, and sell the vegetables, meat, fish an eggs to families of the battalion and tax-free markers at reasonable prices.

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