Arakan farmers need capital and seedlings to replant flood-hit paddy fields

By Admin 28 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
28 August 2023, Sittwe

Flooding triggered by heavy rains destroyed more than 70,000 acres of farmlands in seven Arakan State townships and killed 139 cattle, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) said in a statement on August 14.

Farmers are reportedly having difficulties affording and even just finding seeds and seedlings to replant their paddy fields.

“We cannot find paddy seeds and seedlings to replant our damaged paddy fields,” said U Maung Phoe, a local farmer from Panphechaung Village in Kyauktaw Township.

Floodwaters destroyed more than 100 acres of paddy plantations in the Yoe Chaung area’s Panphechaung Village, some of which are being replanted, but farmers say they are not sure the plants will survive.

“As we cannot find seedlings, we grow paddy plants to replant the damaged paddy fields. As the paddy plants are still young, it will only be good if it rains,” said U Shwe Mya Than, a local farmer.

Panphechaung Village was the most hard-hit by flooding, and only a small number of farmers were able to replant paddy.

“It will not be convenient for us only if we are provided with either paddy seeds or fertiliser. If we are supplied with cash assistance, we will be able to buy paddy seedlings to replant the damaged paddy fields,” said U Tun Hla Maung, a local farmer from Panphechaung Village.

About 700 acres of land damaged by flooding is being recultivated in Minphu Village, Minbya Township, but farmers there said is not certain that they will be able to replant 100%.

“In the fields that are currently being ploughed, the paddy plants die within days. Since we no longer have paddy seeds, we have to sow only the paddy seeds that are stored for use to eat. It is quite difficult for us to get paddy seedlings,” said U Maung Hla, another local farmer.

U Tun Myint, director of the Arakan State Department of Agriculture, told DMG on August 15 that the department would provide paddy seeds to the farmers whose farmlands were destroyed by the flooding. Arakanese farmers have not received any assistance so far, however.