Junta forcing planting of new rice seeds

Junta forcing planting of new rice seeds

Human Rights

Despite farmers' fear of ending up with no rice to eat, Burmese military commanders in northern Shan State have been pressing them to grow Hsin Shweli rice seeds, a new strain from China, report S.H.A.N. sources from the north. 

As part of the project to grow 100,000 acres of paddy fields with the imported rice seeds, Hsenwi, the township with the largest rice-growing area, 13,770 acres, has been allotted 10,000 acres. (There are 20 townships in northern Shan State). 

Each one has to buy 7 bags of seeds for each acre at the price of 10,000 kyat per bag. "Nobody wants it," assured one source. "But nobody dares to protest." 

Sources, who already had the experience of growing Hsin Shweli during the previous dry season, explained: The new seed is stiff; it doesn't enjoy a price that can touch Shan rice let alone exceed; the farmers have to buy the planting seeds every year at exorbitant prices and transplanting of the seedlings also takes longer time. "What's more, nobody wants to eat it," grumbled several sources. 

According to Dr Paul Marolte, University of California-Davis, indigenous Shan rice is probably the highest value rice in the international markets. 

Nine farmers who had tried to add the Shan strain among the officially imposed Hsin Shweli, were severely reprimanded by the officials, who ordered them to destroy the rice plots right away, they said. "Some unluckier farmers were even kicked and beaten by the township officials," said a source.

"Another result was they had to borrow seeds from the township agriculture department with a signed statement to repay twice the price next year." 

For some other farmers, the situation is somewhat different. Rice fields in Hsonkhai village, Pianghsa Tract, was confiscated by Infantry Battalion #323 on 2 August. The villagers were told as land now belonged to the army, they had to pay 4 baskets of rice per acre for rent. 

in addition, Zampay of Namhutao Village, the owner an orchard of 28 lychee trees, was told he now would have to pay 500 kyat per tree annually. 

Hsenwi used to have one military unit only until 3 years ago, Infantry Battalion 69. Since then, four more battalions: 240, 323, 567and 568 under Military Operations Command #16 have been added to it.