June 6

NINE nutrient-rich grazed forage species at Pyinmabin Dairy Cattle Research and Model Farm in Mingaladon Township, Yangon Region are designated to be cultivated on 91 acres of land. Land treatment has been carried out and grass seeds started to be grown in the second week of June, according to Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

Sampling depth to cultivate grass plants for pasture grazing is 6 inches and soil sample is taken every year from 91 acres of land. The feasibility study of grass cultivation was conducted on 20 acres of land with ten grass species. As it came to a fruition result, land treatment for nine forage species on 91 acres commenced in March 2022. During the Yangon Region Chief Minister’s visit to grazed forage model farms at the Pyinmabin Dairy Cattle Research and Model Farm in Mingaladon Township in the first week of May, he gave a remark to add more grazed-forage farms, carry out grass distribution to the farmers and feasibility study effectively, ensure water supply to Napier grass cultivation, cooperate with the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department for lake restoration at model farm and follow up cattle production from pasture farms.

“Native grass species are lack of protein and nutritional values for cattle farming. In a bid to farm pedigree cattle, nutritional quality of forage crops is more economical and effective. It can help the farmers generate higher incomes. The initial cultivation of Napier grass on a trial basis on 20 acres was successful. The grass from pasture will be distributed to Ayeyawady and Bago regions. The seeds will be nurtured in the second week of June,” said Dr Toe Min Tun, director of LBVD, Yangon Region.

As the agriculture and livestock tasks are the backbone of the country. Optimizing use of grazed grass in livestock contributes to the agriculture and livestock sector. As livestock sector plays a crucial role in the economic development and trade enhancement, pedigree cattle farming will increase the income. Additionally, feedstuff cost will be cheaper and it will help narrow the income gap between the urban and rural areas. Nurturing seed farms are developed on 73 acres with nine grass species. With a high seed production potential, grafting nursery is implemented on 18 acres with Mombaca grass, Ruzi grass, Paspalum grass, Pangola grass, Ubon Stylo grass, Hamata Stylo grass and other two nutrient-rich grass species.

Myanmar began cultivation of Napier and Mombaca grass species as feedstuff in the 2020-2021 Financial year on 157.412 acres of land developed by the LBVD, on 165.74 acres operated by other departments and 2,256 acres of private farms, totaling 2,579.377 acres. Moreover, there is an export potential for a sillage (fermented and pickled pasture). The LBVD is endeavouring to expand the projects to generate more revenue for the State.—Nyein Thu (MNA)/GNLM