A machine that can dry paddy, maize and other crops in half an hour, and work through 30 tons in an hour, was the center of attention at the Myanmar International Agriculture Machinery Expo at Fortune Plaza in Thakayta Township, Yangon, yesterday.
 

The drying machine was invented and manufactured in Myanmar and takes half an hour to load in content. Rice cultivators and farmers were particularly attracted to the novel machinery.
 

Ko Aung Thu from Monywa industrial zone said the machine was invented with the aim to promote domestic machinery over foreign ones and provide farmers with reliable quality. He said this is their first success and has been in production since May 2019. He said ten of the machines will be sold at the base price of K58 million at the expo.
 

Changing from a traditional mode of agriculture into an industrial form requires innovation to promote the agricultural sector of the nation. The crop drying machine is the first of its kind to be produced in Myanmar.
 

Farmers and rice mill owners welcome domestically manufactured machinery as foreign imports, which are still the majority in use, present difficulties in the maintenance and repairing department.
 

Tha Yin, a rice mill owner from Myaungdaga in Hmawbi, said the price is reasonable because it is the same price as those produced in neighbouring countries and the manufacturers can be easily contacted for inquiries or repairs. He said local people are ready to pour their support into domestic manufactured machinery, adding that price is not an issue as long as the quality can be ensured.
 

The machine is equippedaywith three layers of drying technology from Louisiana State University and reduces dust emitted from the dryer from polluting the environment. In addition, the stainless steel within the machine carries a 10-year guarantee. — Than Htike

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)