Union Minister for Industry Dr Charlie Than, accompanied by Mandalay Region Chief Min­ister U Myo Aung and party, inspected the Myanma Agri­cultural Machinery Factory in Kyaukse, Mandalay Region, yesterday.

The factory manager ex­plained the research and de­velopment process of paddy transplanting machines. The Union minister emphasized the importance of farming equip­ment since Myanmar is an agricultural country. Besides, producing equipment and parts for micro, small and medium enterprises could help reduce importing machinery, thereby saving foreign currency.

He also mentioned the Mandalay Industrial Zone’s ef­fort to manufacture double-roll­er gins for separating cotton wool from seeds. Despite the country’s ample cotton produc­tion, the insufficient machin­ery hampers its potential to emerge as a cotton-producing powerhouse.

The Union minister under­scored the necessity of cotton mills to manufacture value-add­ed products like yarns and clothing. Additionally, he high­lighted the potential of produc­ing edible oil from cotton seeds.

The Chief Minister provid­ed details on the manufacturing process of roller gins at the in­dustrial zone, emphasizing the importance of timely milling cotton.

They proceeded with their observation of paddy trans­planting machines, seeders, and mechanical part produc­tion. — MNA/NT