MULTINATIONAL and bilateral donors were briefed on the findings of an agricultural sector review project by specialists from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation at the Sedona Hotel on June 17.

The briefing, aimed at attracting investment to help improve the farm sector, was based on a comprehensive review conducted jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the FAO from July 2003 to May 2004.

The review was funded by US$630,000 in technical assistance provided by the United Nations Development Program.

A deputy director at the Department of Agricultural Planning, U Than Htay, said the briefing was attended by representatives of the World Bank, European Commission and International Fund for Agricultural Development, UNDP, FAO, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency and Yangon-based diplomats.

The briefing, organised by the ministry, the UNDP and the FAO, covered 32 investment targets identified by the review, said U Than Htay.

They included crop production, agricultural research, extension and education, marketing, agro-industry, rural finance services, irrigation and water resources, livestock and fisheries production, he said.

U Than Htay said the review analysed the investment needs for stimulating the expansion of the farming sector. It also provided information on strategies and action plans needed to establish a framework for future investment in the agricultural sector.

The review estimated that nearly $418 million would be needed to help develop the sector, he said.

U Than Htay said review project had also resulted in the production of an agricultural atlas which provides information about cultivation and production, soil structure and water resources throughout the country.