23 December 2024
Opening ceremony of Yarpyae (centenary) Hall and Yarpyae Thabin marking the centennial of Yezin Agricultural University of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation was held at the university this morning, graced by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.Present were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members, union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, deputy ministers, invited guests, retired rectors and pro-rectors of the university, the rector, the pro-rector and professors, faculty members and students of the university, and officials.
First, SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union Minister for ALI U Min Naung, Union Minister for Education Dr Nyunt Pe formally opened the Yarpyae (centennial) Thabin.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing unveiled the stone plaque and stone pillar of the Yarpyae Hall by pushing a button, and then sprinkled scented water on the stone plaque. Attendees also sprinkled scented water on it.
The Senior General and attendees looked around the multiple purposed Yarpyae Hall.
On their way to the venue of the centennial ceremony of Yezin Agricultural University, the Senior General and attendees were welcomed by students standing in rows on both sides of the way.
At the ceremony, the Senior General and attendees watched a video clip on the history of the 100-year old university.
In his centennial speech, the Senior General said as for the majority of the country’s people, agriculture is the main means to earn their living. Agriculture has direct relations with political and social affairs of the nation and is its main artery.
In the time of ancient Myanmar monarchs, attention was paid to agriculture for social improvement and abundant food supply.
It is common knowledge that governments throughout the successive eras adopted policies and made ardent efforts for the development of the agricultural sector.
The country owes agro-friendly foundations, a diverse array of weather patterns, soils, ecosystems, and agro-resources, which are favourable for regionwise crops.
The spread of national races in various parts of the nation has become an advantage for agriculture, as it strengthens the force of human resources needed for crop cultivation.
According to historical records of the university, during a decade after the country fell under colonialism, scholars were sent to India to learn agricultural
sciences with the goal of harnessing the country’s favorable agro-conditions. Of the 40 scholars, 19 worked in the agriculture department of Myanmar, and the other 21 were assigned to the Indian agriculture department.
The country realized the shortages and weaknesses of traditional cropping methods that were denying the entry of its crops into the international market, and then noticed the importance of agricultural experts who could catch up with the advancing agricultural technologies and ensured promising crops that might earn benefits.
Therefore, Agricultural College and Research Institute was established and inaugurated in Mandalay on December 22, 1924, with the aim of producing agricultural experts. Since then, the contributions of agricultural experts in harnessing the country’s fertile soil and establishing agriculture as the foundation of the nation have been greatly respected and acknowledged.
On October 1, 1964, Agricultural College was elevated to the status of an Agricultural University.
In 1973, the university was moved to the Yezin area of Pyinmana Township, where the essential infrastructure for agricultural development was established.
Agricultural University stands as a symbol of pride, having trained and produced numerous experts who have significantly contributed to the development of the country’s agricultural sector. In 2024, the university celebrates the 100th anniversary of the inception of agricultural education, a pivotal milestone in the development of the nation’s agricultural human resources, aligning with global advancements.
This achievement is a source of great pride.
Since its establishment, Agricultural College has progressed from awarding a three-year agricultural diploma to granting Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture and Sericulture.
These degree programs are available to students who have completed the intermediate level and require two years of study.
Since the introduction of the new education system in 1964, the Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Agricultural Science degrees have been awarded. At present, alongside the offering of master’s and doctoral degrees, the curriculum, teaching methods, and research are being updated to meet international standards, ensuring the university keeps pace with evolving trends.
Additionally, the range of degrees in agriculture-related fields is being expanded, marking a highly encouraging development.
Over the past 100 years, the university has graduated 13,197 agricultural science graduates, 673 Master of Science holders, 85 doctoral graduates, 70 postgraduate diploma holders, and 11 Master of Philosophy graduates.
All of these individuals are trusted by the state and have been recognized as experts in their fields.
These accomplishments have contributed significantly to the country’s development.
When we assumed responsibility for the state, we committed to ‘developing agriculture and livestock in a way that is inclusive of all ethnic groups, contributes to the nation’s prosperity and food security, and fosters the development of other economic sectors in a comprehensive manner.
And as part of the economic goal, ‘the promotion of oilseed crop cultivation aims to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in edible oil production and to transition from self-sufficiency to export.’
We are working towards the country’s development and enhancing food security by adhering to these economic guidelines.
Efforts are being made to achieve target yields to ensure domestic food security, expand exports, and increase import substitution, by prioritizing key crops from the country’s total of 33 million acres of cropland.
The goals and objectives were determined through extensive research, and therefore, a systematic review must be conducted to achieve the targets in each region. Similarly, increasing cropping intensity will boost the country’s productivity and contribute to a rise in GDP.
In this regard, the role of agricultural experts is crucial, as is the need for collaboration with specialists from other sectors related to agriculture.
To ensure the success of these interconnected activities, two key areas were prioritized during the establishment of the university: ‘teaching and research.’ Currently, it is being implemented in three main areas: ‘Teaching, Research, and Technology Dissemination.’ In this regard, the Senior General emphasized that priority must be given to effectively supporting the interests of rural residents, whose livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture and farming.
To ensure that practical and beneficial scientific agricultural knowledge is widely accessible to rural farmers, it is essential to produce not only agricultural science graduates but also a significant number of intermediate agricultural experts and skilled workers in basic agricultural practices. Therefore, in addition to the previously established agricultural science schools offering agricultural diplomas, 85 high schools teaching agricultural subjects have been opened across the country, starting from the 2023-2024 academic year.
I am pleased to learn that the university is working hard to produce outstanding students from these agricultural science schools and high schools that teach agriculture, by screening them according to the specified qualifications to develop them into agricultural experts.
Recognizing the importance of the agricultural university, successive governments built landmarks in its anniversaries to honor it. The gorgeous diamond jubilee prayer hall and meeting hall was built its diamond jubilee in 1999 and its grand convocation hall was built in its 90th anniversary in 2014.
It is to be proud of the fact that the international standard 100th anniversary building was built and inaugurated on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. As all the buildings constructed are being used valuably, I would like to urge all to use the 100th anniversary building most beneficially and effectively by holding academic events, discussions and conferences.
The role of old and new generation agriculturists who contributed to the security of food, water and basic needs out of their own strength and capabilities has been documented on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the university.
I would like to urge all to continue to carry out tasks for the development of the future agriculture sector relentlessly by sharing agricultural technologies, which are noble and serve both the interests of individuals and others, to new generations.
I would like to honor the agriculturalists who have performed duties assigned to them concertedly in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and other fields after studying at the agricultural university and urge current agriculturists and those who are working in the interests of the agriculture sector in the private sector and in international organizations to continue to contribute more to interests of the country.
It is necessary to pioneer agricultural technologies to produce food and basic needs in accordance with the objective of the university to contribute to the interests of the agricultural producers, the country and the sustainable environment, to be aware of and effectively use the advantages in agriculture and human resources and to be aware of and remedy the weaknesses as true experts.
I would like to urge all to try to nurture outstanding agriculturists in accordance with the motto of the university “Uplift Nation through Agriculture,” and express my wish for the agricultural university to continue to exist from its 100th anniversary to the end of the world.
Then, the Senior General presented an honorary award for production of high-yield Yezin Super Rice (YSR-1) for the Department of Agricultural Research to the director general of the department.
Afterward, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung reported to the Senior General on matters related to the 100th anniversary of the university.
Then, the union minister presented the gift commemorating the 100th anniversary of the university to the Senior General.
Afterward, the Senior General and attendees enjoyed the songs and musical dances performed by students of the university.
Then, the Senior General presented an honorary flower basket for the students who performed music and dances.
Afterward, the Senior General posed for documentary photographs with attendees and cordially greeted retired rectors and pro-rectors of the university.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and attendees keenly observed the exhibition booths commemorating the 100th anniversary of the university.
