PYITHU Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, accompanied by Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn and parliamentary officials, met members of the Farmers’ Affairs Commit­tee at the Hluttaw Building in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon to discuss the committee’s future work and priorities.

Committee Chairman U Myat Kyaw briefed the speakers on the commit­tee’s responsibilities, on­going activities and plans.

Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn said efforts were being made to improve lawmakers’ capacity through legal training and discussions so that they could effec­tively perform their du­ties during the five-year parliamentary term. He stressed that improving individual representa­tives’ capabilities would strengthen the role and reputation of Parliament.

Speaker U Khin Yi urged the committee to take practical steps to en­hance Parliament’s role by reviewing existing laws and proposing necessary amendments or new legis­lation in line with current political, economic and social conditions.

He highlighted the importance of the Farm­ers’ Affairs Committee, noting that farmers make up around 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population and agriculture remains a key sector of the coun­try’s economy. He called on the committee to study farmers’ major challeng­es, including access to agricultural inputs, time­ly farming loans, fair crop prices, land issues, labour shortages, climate change impacts, natural disasters and debt problems.

The Speaker said the committee should work closely with relevant ministries, organizations, NGOs and INGOs, and use collected information to raise farmers’ concerns through parliamentary questions and proposals.

He also urged the committee to review laws protecting farmers’ inter­ests, ensuring provisions for affordable agricultur­al supplies, stable crop prices, storage systems, market access, agricul­tural technology training and climate-based farm­ing advisory services.

U Khin Yi suggested that Hluttaw consider de­veloping legislation relat­ed to contract farming, crop insurance, agricul­tural extension services and agricultural market­ing, or a comprehensive law to safeguard farmers’ rights and improve their socio-economic condi­tions.

He called for collab­orative efforts to build a Parliament that farmers can rely on for the protec­tion of their interests and sustainable agricultural development.

Following the meet­ing, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker warmly greeted members of the committee. — MNA/ST