Burmese force collects paddy seeds for cyclone victims

(Kaladan Press) 14 June 2008 - Maungdaw, Arakan State:

Burma's border security force, Nasaka, collected paddy seeds for seedlings for the cyclone victims, from Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships last week, according to villagers.

The Nasaka has collected 3 kgs of paddy seeds per acre from the farmers of Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships, in Arakan State.

They have also collected Kyat 5,000 to Kyat 10,000 per family from Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships according to the economic standing of the family.

The Nasaka has also collected 6 to 10 cattle from one village across Maungdaw Buthidaung Townships for the cyclone victims, a village elder said on condition of anonymity.

For farmers of the Irrawaddy Delta, it is necessary to sow seeds by the end of June or else, the country's rice production would decline. Farmers have to replant their seedlings and care for them with fertilizers before the end of August, according to sources.

The cyclone could probably turn Burma-- a rice exporting nation into an importer of rice. Stocks of food have been destroyed; seeds have been damaged, while all other assets have been swept away.

Planting the next rice crop on time is very important. Farmers do not have the capital to replace the seeds, livestock and tools needed to start replanting rice in the next few months.

The Irrawaddy Delta produces almost two-thirds of Burma's rice output.

Earlier, on May 25, the Nasaka collected one kg of rice per acre, two cattle per village and 5,500 Tan (one Tan= 40.91 litre) of paddy per village for cyclone Nargis victims from villagers of Maungdaw Township.