Army plunders paddy seedlings

September 12, Buthitaung:  Due to the Burma Army's confiscation of paddy seedlings in Buthitaung township, Rakhine State, the farmers are facing with difficulty and they will not be able to carry out the coming seasonal cultivation in time, reports Kaladan Press Network.

In accordance with the instruction from the head quarters, each army unit is required to cultivate in its assigned field. But, as the army doesn't have knowledge of cultivation, farmers in near Rohingya villages were forced to grow rice for the army in previous years. But, this year, local farmers' fields and seedlings were taken just because of the order that the army must cultivate rice on its own. As a result, the farmers are worried that they might not be able to plant a new crop in time, said a local farmer.

"Army units in northern Rakhine State, ignoring the order that they have to cultivate rice themselves, are forcing the Rohingya people to work for them," he said.

Because of the changing weather and late monsoons in Rakhine State, the farmers had to start late. While the farmers were vigorously cultivating from August 15, the army took over the fields, making it impossible for them to cultivate a new crop in time, said a farmer from Dabyuchaung tract.

"In other countries, when farmers face with any difficulties, their governments often help them, but in Burma, the authorities are creating troubles for farmers instead of aiding," said a member of the farming committee in Pongnyilek village.