Arakan Farmers’ Union holds second conference in Myebon Twsp

By DMG 30 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
30 March 2022, Myebon

The 2nd Central Conference of the Arakan Farmers’ Union was held in Thayat Taung village, Myebon Township, from March 28 to 30.

According to organisers, the conference covered seven topics: protection of farmers’ rights; socioeconomic development; land; environment and natural resources management; land and legal aid; the peace process; and the rights of indigenous peoples.

“The conference will look at how to work with the Arakan People’s Authority (APA) on how to address the current challenges facing farmers and how to address future challenges,” Ko Twan Tin, secretary of the Arakan Farmers’ Union, said ahead of the gathering.

Ko Soe Naing, chairman of the Arakan Farmers’ Union (Mrauk-U Township), who attended the conference, said participants also discussed ways to help farmers with their land rights and land disputes.

“The Arakan Farmers’ Union was formed with the aim of protecting and promoting the interests of farmers. We mainly discuss how we can act as an intermediary in the event of farmers losing their rights, land tenure and land disputes,” he told DMG.

About 200 people, including farmers’ representatives from various townships in Arakan State, attended the three-day event in Myebon Township.

The Arakan Farmers’ Union was formed in September 2016 with the aim of protecting farmers’ rights and promoting their social welfare. The union held its first conference in August 2018.