Food is the cornerstone of life for all living beings. Agriculture and livestock play pivotal roles in meeting the dietary needs of people across the globe. The dedicated efforts of farmers in these sectors are instrumental in producing essential food items derived from crops and livestock.
Recognizing the critical importance of food security, the United Nations established the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. The FAO’s mission is to manage food supplies and provide necessary aid to those in dire need. Collaborating closely with the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the FAO is committed to alleviating global hunger.
World Food Day, instituted by FAO’s Member Countries during the Organization’s 20th General Conference in November 1979, is a yearly event observed in over 150 countries. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about the underlying issues of poverty and hunger, bringing global attention to the urgent need for action.
Meanwhile, Myanmar is making significant strides in agricultural production and livestock farming to meet the needs of its population and generate income through surplus exports. The government is actively promoting crop cultivation, including single and triple cropping, while simultaneously providing essential resources such as irrigation facilities and agricultural and breeding techniques to support successful agricultural and livestock endeavours.
Myanmar’s unique advantage lies in its vast expanses of unutilized, fertile land. In 2019, a census revealed that 45 per cent of the country’s population was engaged in cultivation and livestock tasks, cultivating 5.73 million acres of monsoon paddy, 7.47 million acres of various crops, and 1.8 million acres of summer paddy.
Many people, particularly in rural areas, are actively involved in the livestock sector. As of 2021, more than 10 million head of cattle are being raised, as per statistics from Cattle Stock Myanmar. While the country does not primarily rear cattle for meat consumption, the meat production is sufficient to meet local demands.
While global people continue to grapple with famine, the people of Myanmar enjoy food security without apprehension. Myanmar has a history of providing aid to countries in need, demonstrating compassion during times of food crises. This spirit of benevolence underscores the fundamental human value of extending a helping hand to eradicate starvation. It is a testament to humanity’s potential for compassion and solidarity, and together, everybody can strive to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. Food is not just sustenance but a key to a better, more equitable for all.
