The Era of the Burma Socialist
Programme Party Government
(1974-1988)
In response to the offer made by the
United Nations, a 5-year agreement was signed between Myanmar and the UNFDAC on 14 May
1976 for cooperation in the fight against narcotic drugs and this was renewed 3 times for a total of
15 years. The cooperation agreement was implemented in the form of three consecutive
5-year projects as follows;
(a) First 5-year project
(1976-1981)
(b) Second 5-year project (1981-1986)
(c) Third 5-year project (1986-1991)
During the execution of these (3) agreements the UNFDAC contributed US$ 22.3
million and Myanmar contributed service costs amounting to Kyats 170.6 million. The programmes were implemented mainly in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry, education, health, rehabilitation and law enforcement.
During the period from 1976 to 1991, crop substitution programmes in (28) Townships in Shan State, (1) township in Kachin State, (3) townships in Chin State, opening of agricultural education stations including (2) model plantation camps, (8) base camps and (9) frontline agriculture education camps, distribution of a large amount of inputs such as seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, insecticides, and other farm implements were carried out by the projects. Moreover, over 400 educational courses were held to train over 22,000 peasants; about 18,458 acres of land were reclaimed and nearly 14567 acres of seasonal and perennial crops were planted; and two experimental farms growing tea and coffee established in Pyin Oo Lwin and Panglong respectively.
The animal husbandry projects which
were also implemented during this period were projects in the Shan State where poultry, swine,
cattle, queen bees (for apiaries) and mules were distributed to farmers there; and
breeding courses for the farmers established. Over US$ 5 million and Kyats 2 million were
spent in these projects.
Rehabilitation of drug addicts was also carried out in this 15-year period, and this was
done through the identification of addicts, their transfer to hospitals, and the fulfillment of their
social needs there and finally follow-up programmes to prevent a relapse into addiction
and to reintegrate them into society. From 1976 to 1981 a total of 12,493 drug addicts were
treated and to reintegrate them into society, rehabilitation camps were also opened at
Mandalay, Myitkyina, Wettikan, and Parekhon. A camp at Kaba-Aye to teach auto repair and
one at Yangon to teach printing and photography were opened. A full year’s post-camp reintegration into society and prevention of re-addiction
programme was drawn up for those who had passed through these camps.
 |
 |
| Chin
Shwe Haw rubber nursery. |
Plantation
of Shade-trees in Muse Township. |