25 June
Our country has a population of more than 51 million with a population density of 81 persons per square kilometre, which is the second lowest population density among the Southeast Asian countries, following Laos.
Land resources are the essential indispensable resource for the existence of humans and society. The difference between this vital resource and other resources is that it could not be increased and has limitations.
According to an estimate by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), increase in population and soil erosion in the land, by 2020 there will be only 0.18 hectare of cultivable land per person. This is half of cultivable land per person in 1960 and by 2050 it is estimated to be reduced by half again.
Statistics compiled in 2018 shows that there are over 47 million acres of vacant, fallow, and virgin lands in Myanmar. It is necessary to ensure that agriculture, livestock breeding, minerals production, and other lawful businesses utilize the land effectively, in accordance with the bylaw of the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law, for the economic development of the State and to create job opportunities for locals and landless citizens.
For land that is not utilized by a business within four years, a fine would be collected by the State treasury, and the right to cultivate or use the land would be revoked.
Meanwhile, every citizen has rights to apply for land use and they need to use the land efficiently in accordance with the law to be granted with land use permissions.
The purpose of the land use policy is to help those who want to use land in accordance with the law to ensure the development of the country’s economy and for the livelihood of individuals.
It has been found that there have been delays in dealing with the applications under some management committees, and we need to effectively tackle this.
For the objectives, guidelines, and basic principles of the National Land Use Policy to be truly effective, the relevant authorities, organizations, and individuals need to fully understand its contents to enable successful implementation.
