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Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects coal deposit, agricultural zone in Kutkai 

Yangon, 27 April — State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein arrived in Lashio in northern Shan State yesterday.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party together with Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing went to kattimoe and highland coffee farm near the North East Command. They were conducted round the farm by officials. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on extended cultivation of coffee as opium substitute crops for development of border areas.

Kattimoe highland coffee can be grown in the regions between 2,700 feet and 6,000 feet above sea level. It bears fruit within three years. The yield of coffee is 1.7 tons per acre three to eight viss per plant. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe went to the central agricultural farm and inspected raising of fowls at the farm. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe also inspected local poultry farm. Head of Shan State Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department Dr Thaung Htaik and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave supplementary reports.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on establishment of more farms, distribution of species of fowls in the region and sale at reasonable price. He inspected 25-ton feedstuff factory of the command, production of feedstuff and storage.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected raising of Hsinshweli fowls at the farms and observed the booth at the central farm. He was conducted round the farm by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint and officials. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on wider measures to be undertaken.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe then gave instructions on extended raising of layers for consumption in the region and distribution of quality fowls to local people. He also inspected raising of pigs. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on advanced livestock breeding methods. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions.

Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected round the piggeries and gave instructions on utilizing of pig’s dung in agricultural purpose and systematic breeding of pig.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to Humon Village tract and inspected cultivation of 100 acres of Hsinshweli paddy through irrigation from Humon Dam. Shan State Additional Police Commander Police Col Win Naing reported on successful cultivation of the paddy and arrangements for harvesting. Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service in Shan State U Hla Gyi reported on cultivation of paddy in districts. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing gave a supplementary report. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein took part in the discussions. 

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on cultivation methods, quality paddy imported and making efforts for success. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected cultivation of summer paddy at the 100-acre farm.  They inspected Lashio-Mongyaw Road. They proceeded to Narlyan coal deposit.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing reported on conditions of coal deposits in North-East Command, tonnage of coal deposits and exploration. Officials reported on conditions of coal deposits in Nanma and Narlyan regions, pilot coal mining and others. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe also inspected samples of coal and Narlyan coal deposit which is 700 feet long, 130 feet wide and 35 feet deep.  It is expected to mine 1.976 million tons from six coalmines.

 Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to 1,000-acre highland reclamation project and inspected samples of crops.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing reported on implementation of the project under the guidance of the Head of State and future tasks.  Project in-charge Lt-Col Nay Lin Aung and officials reported on tasks being undertaken and arrangement to plant 11,050 Thitseint trees (Bellaric Myrobalan).

Head of Shan State Irrigation Department U Myint Thein reported on reclamation of highland under five-year plan, acreage, strength of personnel, arrival of machinery and others.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected reclamation of highland.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected arrangements for irrigation from Aung Chantha reservoir. He gave instructions on proper irrigation and hydel power station.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to agriculture and beekeeping station (Bonmon) of NE Command near Lashio-Hsenwi road. They inspected production of honey and samples of sunflower and hemp and fertilizer.

Project in-charge Lt-Col Nay Lin Aung reported on cultivation of maize at the farm. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected keeping of bees and cultivation of maize.

 Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party arrived at Loisamsit agricultural zone of NE Command in Kutkai Township. Tactical Operations Commander Col San Shwe Tha reported on cultivation of crops suitable for the region, reclamation of 1,000 acres of lands, ploughing, cooperation with local associations, seeds, fertilizer and farm equipment. National race leader U Ma Htu Naw on cultivation of orange, pepper, and tea in Kaungkha region and U Kyaw Myint of Taung Kholonlishaw cultural troupe on cooperation.

Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on assistance to be provided by the ministry. Officials of Kutkai Township agricultural supervisory committee on arrangements for providing of cultivation techniques. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said production of crops will be boosted by extended reclamation of land and education of modern cultivation techniques. With more earnings, living standard of local people will improve, he said.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected arrangements for providing of modern cultivation techniques to farmers. He also inspected making of EM Bokashi fertilizer and agricultural equipment.   Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected land reclamation in Loisansit agricultural zone.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met Tatmadawmen, families at Thura Aye Cho Hall of Kutkai station and explained efforts to restore peace and tranquillity in the region, upholding three national tasks, Our Three Main National Causes, unity inside and outside  the Tatmadaw and organizational matters in the Tatmadaw.

He added that every Tatmadawman is to be imbued with  ten strengths of Tatmadaw.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party spent the night in Kutkai.