On 21 December 2015, H.E. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, handed over 28 complete sets of hand tractors, rice seeds and fertilisers to farmer community in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State. U Bale Maung, Deputy Director-General of the Agricultural Mechanization Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar, was represent at the ceremony as a representative of the Government of Myanmar.

The delivery of the hand tractors and agricultural supplies is part of the Royal Thai Government’s efforts to assist the Government of Myanmar in improving the situation in Rakhine State by fostering development in the area. At the same time, this assistance also aims at supporting livelihood of people in Mrauk-U which was severely affected by recent flooding during July – August 2015.

The Royal Thai Embassy was joined by Siam Kubota Corporation Co., Ltd., one of Thailand’s leading agricultural equipment companies, in implementing this project by arranging necessary training for local farmers in Mrauk-U.

Thailand is firmly committed to supporting development in Rakhine State as a sustainable solution to the overall situation in Rakhine. The 28 sets of hand tractors delivered this time are the second batch of Thailand’s contribution of this kind. Earlier in January 2015, another 40 sets of hand tractors were also delivered to farmer community in Kyauk Taw, Rakhine State.