By Kantarawaddy Times
The Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State has announced plans to process local agricultural products into high-value goods instead of selling them as raw materials. This initiative aims to increase economic opportunities for farmers and small businesses, according to Khu Tu Reh, head of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation under the IEC.
“High-value products work like this: for example, our region produces peanuts, and some of them are of excellent quality. Instead of just selling raw peanuts, we can process them into refined peanut oil and sell that. The leftover peanut meal can be turned into animal feed, maximizing its value. If we can implement such value-added processing, it will create jobs for local farmers and boost economic activity in the region,” Khu Tu Reh explained.
Additionally, farmers will receive training and technical support to help them produce value-added products. This includes guidance on how to effectively market their crops and develop sustainable business practices.
IEC also plans to connect farmers with business owners to create a more structured and efficient trade system. Initially, the focus will be on value-adding to peanuts, sesame, and corn, among other key local crops.
Khu Tu Reh further stated that the council is working to develop a local market system that will allow these high-value products to be distributed and sold within the state.
“The market needs to be free and competitive. Farmers should be able to sell their products anywhere within the country. However, due to the ongoing conflict, we are concerned about food security. That’s why we are not encouraging the export of essential goods like rice to other regions. This may seem like a restriction on a free market, but it is necessary under the current circumstances,” he added.
Moreover, IEC is conducting research on rice seed improvement using Japanese technology to ensure high-quality, pure rice varieties for the region.
For the 2024 winter crop season, demonstration farms have been established. Through on-farm demonstrations, implementation has begun, including: 3 acres of sunflower fields in eastern Dee Maw Hso Township, 1 acre of sunflower fields in Pekon Township, 2 acres of sunflower fields in Nan Meik KhonTownship and 2 acres of onion fields in Kay Lyar Township (Pruso Township.
In addition to crop production, IEC has already begun initiatives in 2024, including: Production of Bokashi natural fertilizer, Training programs for farmers, Production of organic pest control solutions and Seed production for winter crops. These efforts aim to improve agricultural sustainability and economic resilience within Karenni State.
