TRAINING has begun for extension staff of the Myanma Agriculture Service so they can help farmers reach yield targets set by the government for paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops.

Nearly 170 MAS township and district managers from throughout Yangon Division underwent intensive training at the service’s Seed Division in Insein township on May 26, said divisional manager, U Aung San.

The training covered soil management, using organic and chemical fertiliser in combination and the maintenance of quality seeds, he said.

U Aung San said the MAS staff will pass on their knowledge to farmers.

The training was provided by five specialists from the MAS head office in Yankin township who would travel throughout the country to conduct similar courses before the monsoon crops are planted, he said.

U Aung San said it was necessary for farmers to improve soil fertility before they plant their next crops to achieve better yields.

“In paddy fields, land preparation is also important to achieve optimum water storage and this was also covered during the training,” he said.

U Aung San said the government also encourages farmers to use selected varieties which are able to reach the targeted yields.

He said awareness among farmers of a rice intensification technique, which involved collecting seeds from a plant’s main panicle for cultivation as seedlings the following season, was also important.

Seeds from the main panicle grew faster and were more resistant to pests, which helped to boost yields.

“To reach the targets, the three factors are important: soil, seeds and systematic farming techniques,” U Aung San said.