(Global Aid Network photo)
Myanmar (MNN) ― The tidal wave resulting from Cyclone Nargis killed most of the water buffalo and other draft animals that farmers in Myanmar used to plant rice.
Without their draft animals, the farmers will not be able to plant. If they cannot plant within the next four weeks, the rice harvest will be minimal at best.
Duane Zook, CEO of Global Aid Network (GAiN), recently visited Myanmar personally. He assessed GAiN's relief work in six villages, made plans for the future, and conferred with staff members and partners. He also used a boat to travel to remote regions of the country.
While the people of Myanmar are still deeply in need of many things, Zook concluded that the need for tractors to plant rice is the most urgent need.
Literally the "rice bowl" of Southeast Asia, Myanmar is the seventh-largest producer of rice in the world. It harvested 25.2 million tons of rice in 2007. The Irrawaddy Delta, in particular, supplies the surrounding regions with rice.
If the next rice harvest is poor, the people of Myanmar could face shortages and starvation. Also, it will be even more difficult for the farmers to plant the next crop of rice.
Zook has learned that it costs only $2,000 to provide farmers in Myanmar with one simple tractor, much like an over-sized, motorized tiller. If each village where GAiN is focusing its relief efforts receives at least 5 tractors, the farmers will be able to share. GAiN needs to raise at least $60,000 as soon as possible, so that the rice farmers will be able to plant before it is too late.
More than 134,000 people are dead or missing since Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on May 2. Millions more lack shelter or clean water. Global Aid Network has agreed to take the lead in providing relief for six villages with a combined population of about 30,000 people.
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