Some 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population resides in rural areas and depends on agriculture and livestock breeding.
To ensure sustainable livelihoods and the development of the country, our land resources need to be managed and utilized properly. Only systematic utilization and management of land resources can improve the socio-economic condition of the people.
Hence, land disputes issues should be settled as soon as possible. Only then will our rural communities who are solely relying on agriculture and livestock breeding for their livelihood can earn more extra income from their farming. Besides, the more land disputes we settle, the lesser criminal cases based on farmland.
Excess and unused lands returned as state-owned lands need to be used for the benefit of the people, and if unutilized, they need to be kept on record and maintained. Some farmland released by the ministerial departments have not been received by their former owners due to some delays or lack of clarity on who the former owners are. Now, the time comes to identify and eliminate the bottlenecks.
Some farmlands released by the ministerial departments have not been received by their former owners due to some delays or lack of clarity on who the former owners are. Now, the time comes to identify and eliminate the bottlenecks.
To put an end to illegal squatting, including settlement in forest reserves and construction of infrastructure on farmlands, those who are responsible for settling the land dispute issues need to cooperate with farmers and regional law enforcement officials.
The management of farmlands, as well as vacant, fallow and virgin lands, needs to be improved. Meanwhile, priority over land use and land rights should be given to the small farmers and landless farmers.
Section-35 of the Farmland Law prohibits squatting on farmland, and those who violate the law face imprisonment of six months to two years or a fine of K300,000 to K500,000.
Besides, farmland cannot be sold, pawned, or leased to foreigners without the permission of the State.
Generally, resolving complicated issues correctly demands time and space to a certain extent.
At the same time, we need to use compassion, fairness and avoid malpractice to ensure that those involved in the cases are satisfied with their resolution.
