Geographical Analysis of Agricultural Systems and Its Potential for Rural

Home , Ayadaw, Lahe Township, Myinmu, Myinmu Township, Sagaing District, Sagaing Township

Geographical Analysis of Agricultural Systems and Its Potential for

Rural Development in Sagaing Township

May Thu Naing1

Assistant Lecturer, Department of Geography

Mandalay University

In Sagaing Township, the low flat plain occupies an area about 95 % of the total area of Township. Mu river valley which lines on its western part and Ayeyarwady River Valley which lies on its southern parts occupy the lowest parts of the plain. Due to its various physical features there are significant variations in the agricultural activities. Samples are selected and questionnaires are asked to the farmers in order to get information about their occupation. GIS method, Qualitative and Quantitative methods are employed to examine the primary data collected through the questionnaires. Spatial variation of agriculture is based on the physical conditions and temporal variation is apparent for seasonal change of crop patterns. There are four major types of agriculture as paddy cultivation all around the Yemyet In (lake) margin, drying farming or "Ya" cultivation, and market gardens on the selected land area. Several types of crops, vegetables and flowers are grown in this area. Agricultural system in the township is important not only for the socio- economic condition of the people but also for the environmental consequences. Implementing a national programme to increase the production of domestic fruits and vegetables are required to inform and to educate the farmers to get profit.

Keywords: spatial variation, temporal variation and environmental consequences

Introduction

70% of the people living in Myanmar are rural population and are engaged in traditional agricultural systems by practicing modern methods of cultivation of crop system and by jointly carrying out mechanical enterprises with livestock breeding production, the family income will increase and the standard of living in the family will become high.

In the agricultural activities of Sagaing Township, there are many devise to solve the problems. In order to agricultural work, as the patches of the crop lands are in a scattered condition and hard to find temporal worker in the farmland, at such time the young family members usually come back to help their elders or parents. The head of the family had to find new extra jobs to work jointly with the former work in order to get extra money income. Practically, family expenses which are spent on education and health had increased. Although the extra expenses are spent, yet the rate of production for the agricultural crops had decreased and the amount of food is low. Now up- to date modern cultivation methods and its weakness of the skill labour, climatic changes in region and going to other area to work. All these problems can be solves by means of method shown in this research paper.

1.Dr.,Assistant Lecturer, Department of Geography, Mandalay University

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the research are :

(1) To study and examine the requirements for the crop cultivation of Sagaing Township (2) To change from the traditional types of agricultural method to modern agricultural method of cultivation should be carried out from the geographical point of view (3) To advise and help should be given in the upgrading of the standard of living of the urban dwellers

Data and Methodology

The research on the agricultural system of Sagaing Township of Myanmar is carried on by basing partly on the secondary data. The primary data are obtained from questionnaires, interview, open talks through field observation and fields survey. This research is also carried out by using both qualitative method and quantitative method. The data required for this research are obtained from the farmers of 2,835 –households from 2 wards and from 81 – village tracts in Sagaing Township during 2013 and 2014. In addition intensive structured interview were conducted to households in the whole township. The questionnaires using selected Random Sampling Method and Secondary data from the information received at the reception received at the various movement offices of the Departments. In the research work the agricultural activities of the farmer living in Sagaing Township had been studied and examined, 2,835 households who were engaged in agricultural activities were questioned. Facts and data are collected from various offices of the departments.

Cultivation of separate varieties of seasonal crops are examined by Temporal Analysis and spatial Analysis. The Difference of cultivation methods according to the condition of the land surface , soil and drainage were also studied and examined by means of the qualitative method. After that by using GIS Method , maps were drawn. (81) village tracts in this township were divided into 4 parts whereas (2) wards were combined and formed into one urban region. That is why these village tracts are being divided into (5) sectors.

Study Area

Sagaing Township lies within the Dry Zone of Central Myanmar. Sagaing Township is situated in the south-eastern part of Sagaing Region. ႈ It lies between the latitudes of 21°50′ and

22°15′ north, between the longitudes of 95°40′ and 96°00′ east. It is also a part of the flat plains of the Mu and Ayeyarwady river basins.

The area of Sagaing Township is 485.69 sq miles or 311,081.6 acres and comprises with the Sagaing Town Proper and 81 village tracts. Sagaing Township is bounded on the north by Wetlet Township, on the east and south-east by Madaya Township, Patheingyi Township, 3

Amarapura Township and Tada-U Township, on the south by Ngazun Township and on the west by Myinmu Township and Ayadaw Township.

Map (1) Sagaing Township in Myanmar , 2014

UNION OF MYANMAR

90°0'0"E 92°0'0"E 94°0'0"E 96°0'0"E 98°0'0"E 100°0'0"E 102°0'0"E

28°0'0"N 28°0'0"N SAGAING TOWNSHIP

26°0'0"N CHINA 26°0'0"N INDIA

24°0'0"N 24°0'0"N

22°0'0"N 22°0'0"N

20°0'0"N 20°0'0"N

18°0'0"N 18°0'0"N THAILAN

16°0'0"N D 16°0'0"N

14°0'0"N 14°0'0"N

12°0'0"N 12°0'0"N

10°0'0"N 10°0'0"N

90°0'0"E 92°0'0"E 94°0'0"E 96°0'0"E 98°0'0"E 100°0'0"E 102°0'0"E

Source: Land Record Department,2013

In this research paper, depending on the geographical factors of location, topography and drainage structure, the condition of agriculture by the native farmers have been examined in 5 regions. They are as followed:

(1) 34 village tracts along the bank of Ayeyarwady river (which are living on the eastern and southern part of Sagaing Township.) or Ayeyawady Valley Area: Ayeyarwady Valley Area includes Mingun, Htonbo, Singaing, Kin, Mezalichaung, Letpan Wachet Arlaung, Myetaing, Chaungpauk, Kyaukta, Yega, Htandaw, Thawtapan, Tegyi, Zichaung, Maubin, Sinmye and Daungma. Tegyi, Zichaung, Maubin, Sinmye, Daungma, Nyaukkyikyun, Tintake, Kywelu, Nyaungbinzin, Pyehtayaw, Sindat, Ywathitgyi, Pyitawtha, Ngatayaw, Legyi, Ywama, Kaingpyin, Myinse, Shwehlay and Maungtaung Village Tracts

(2) 11 village tracts along the bank of Mu River (which are located on the western part of Sagaing Township) or Mu Valley Area: Mu Vallery Area includes Letpantha, Thapantha, Nyaungbinwin, Depeyinkwe, Kywepon, Nyaungpintha, Mutha, Talaingkyun, Nyaungpinshay, Taungmyo and Htandawseik Village Tracts

(3) 30 village tracts within the inner central part of the township or Central Land Area : 4

Central land Area includes Paukma, Minywa, Thapyaukkon, Nontwin, Ohntaw, Natkayaing, Kyaukse, Aung tha, Panchi, Taungyin, Yinmarkyin, Shantat, Thazin, Taunggya Insa, Sadaung, Kyarmingyi, Pekado, Lintalu, Taeinte, Sitee, Ketka, Talaing, Kyaungphyu, Kyaukta, Sagyin, Samon, Baukthauk, Marletaw and Yonbinkan Village Tracts (4) 6 village tracts near Yemyet Lake or Yemyet within the Lake Area:

Yemyet In area includes Yedwinkaung , Saye, Padu, Kangyikone, Kyaukphanan and Yemyet Village Tracts.

(5) 2 wards of the urban area of Sagaing Town Proper .Analysis of these 5 estates are made after through field surveys. Urban (Garden )Area includes Nandawun and Ywataung Wards

Findings and Results

Physical Environment and Elements of the Agricultural system in the study Area

Within Sagaing Township, after cultivation crops in summer Pre- Monsoon period before the Rainy season. Rainy season and cool season, along on both side of the Ayeyarwady valley the sown area was, 182.61 sq. km (49%) in the year 2013. In Mu Valley the sown area was 79.55 sq. km (21%) within the central part the sown lands of the Yemyet In lake was 11,040 sq. km (29.6%). In the Garden lands (0.4%) or non – inundated lands of the village tracts where the land surfaces become higher, cultivation of " Sein-ta –lone" mangoes, Taiwan guavas , Pepper, plum, lime, custard apple, sweet lime, and betel vine were grown. At present sweet cucumbers and water melons are extensively grown on the 'Ya' dry lands and they are sold to the Chinese market. In examining the cropping system of Sagaing Township, it is found that (1) the natural inputs consist of rainfall, sun lights(temperature), soil and land (2) the Human Inputs consist of seeds, fertilizers, ploughs, harrows, animals, labourers, tools, fertilizer and pesticides. After combining the natural inputs and human inputs the growing of crops is carried out by ploughing, sowing of seeds in the nurseries, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, threshing and winnowing. After that buying of crops for consumption and sale or selling of crops to get income are being carried out. Depending on the geographical basis factors such as the structure of the cultivated land, availability of water of the cropland and climatic conditions, intensive agriculture is carried on for commercial purposes. The cultivation of water melon is carried on 5 percent of the cultivated land and 95 percent of all the crop sown is carried on only by sedentary subsistence 5 agriculture. In the cultivation of paddy and other crops the application of human inputs depending upon the climate, availability of water and soil conditions are important. When crops are grown at the right time the conditions of the crop yield can be good, moderate or poor. However only when there are the cultivators who can afford to invest sufficient capital to buy and select the good streams of seeds and to buy and apply chemical fertilizers and only when they have the knowledge and experience in cultivating and supervising the crop farming scientifically and methodically the crops yield will become higher and reach a high standard level.

Figure( 1) Drainage, Soil in Sagaing Township, 2014

Source: Department of Geography, Mandalay University,2013

The Eastern Sagaing Range occupies five percent of the total area of Sagaing Township. The Low Flat Plain lies between the Sagaing Range on the east and the Mu and the Ayeyarwady rivers on the west and south. It occupies over 95 percent of the total area of the township. The Mu river valley in the western part and the Ayeyarwady river valley in the southern part are the lowest parts of the plain. The plain which is below 76.20 meters contour is subject to yearly flood of the Ayeyarwady and the Mu rivers. Most of the fertile ‘Le’ (Paddy)and ‘Ya’ lands are found on the flood plain and adjoining areas. Paddy, groundnut, wheat and various pulses are grown on these fertile lands. In many area, the problems of surface and underground drainage have to be considered and determine the extent of crop cultivation. Sagaing Township is drained by the Ayeyarwady River and its tributary: the Mu River. Alluvium and silt are deposited in the river channels and along the river banks. The Ayeyarwady riverine belt in the Sagaing Township is made up of level land of sandy or loamy texture. It is inundated in the flood season and forms the most fertile agricultural tracts in the township. 6

The Mu River flows from north to south along the western boundary of Sagaing Township. It flows into the Ayeyarwady River near Shwehlay village. During the rainy season the Mu River becomes flooded and villages along the river banks are covered with water. The Mu is a perennial river but from December to June it dwindles down to a shallow stream fordable everywhere. Yemyet 'In' is about22.54 km long and 6.44 km wide when its maximum water level is attained. It has not been brought under cultivation on account of the saltiness in the water. The lake is very shallow and reeds and grass cover the lake margins. There are other smaller lakes in the other parts of the Sagaing Township and also a number of shallow depressions which are filled by overflowing of water from the flooded rivers during the rainy season, but which are dried up in the hot dry season. Those 'Ins' are used for agriculture in the dry season. Natural Inputs – rainfall, temperature, soil and sown area

Climate is also an important factor that influences social and economic conditions of a region. Sagaing Township is situated in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar. Therefore, temperature is relatively high and rainfall is relatively low. According to Koppen’s Classification of Climate, Sagaing receives Tropical Steppe Climate (BSh) type. High temperature and low rainfall are the main cause for the application of pesticides in crops cultivation of the study area. Rainfall Sagaing Township lies in the tropical region and has 'BSh' type of climate ( Tropical Steppe Climate). During the 34 years period from 1980-2013, the yearly average rainy days about 53 days and the average rainfall is 554.33 mm ( 27.72 inches). It situated in the central Dry Zone of Myanmar, Sagaing Township receives low rainfall. In 2013, the average annual rainfall is 785.4 mm (30.92 inches). The largest amount of rainfall is received in September and lowest amount of rainfall is received in January. In September the rainfall received is about 159.5 mm (6.28 inches) and the amount of rainfall is about 0.076 mm (0.03 inch). Sagaing Township receives the double maximum of rainfall . The first maximum occurs in May and the second maximum occurs in September. During the 34- years period the highest rainfall recorded was in 2006 with a total rainfall of 844.8 mm (49.83 inches )and the lowest rainfall occurred in 1995 with a total annual rainfall of 33.48 mm (13.18 inches).

Figure (2) Compare with Average Rainfall between Two decades (1994-2003 & 2004-2013)

Source: Meteorology Department of Mandalay,1994-2013

Temperature Temperature of Sagaing Township is relatively high in Summer . During the 34- years period from 1980 to 2013, the average mean temperature of Sagaing is 27.52° C (81.53° F) . The average maximum temperature and the average minimum temperature are 34.14° C(93.46° F) and 18.6° C (69.39° F) respectively. The hottest month is May with the mean temperature of 31.1° C (87.92°F) and the coldest month is January with the mean temperature of 20.66° C (69.8 °F ). The range of temperature is 17.81° F ( 0.5° C). The annual range of temperature ( The different between the temperature of the day and the temperature of the night is high. The average daily amount of sunshine received is about 8 hours. Soil The main factor which is influencing the agriculture of Sagaing Township is the inequality of the types of soil. As it is the region where the processes of the earth movements (earthquakes) usually occur within the township, 5 land types are generally found. 75 percent of the total area of the land is occupied by cultivated lands where 'Le' land (Paddy land),'Ya land (Dry farm land ), ' Kaing – kyun' (reverie or riparian lands with islands) , garden lands and orchard within Sagaing Township. 75 percent of the total land area is occupied by agricultural or cultivated land . Cultivation of Paddy is mainly carried on in the river basin of Ayeyarwady and Mu river valley as well as in the irrigable regions. ' Ya' crop cultivation is carried in the regions of the flat plain and rolling uplands (which lie above 76.20 meters and above sea level). Reverie cultivation is carried in islands near and along the bank of Ayeyarwady riverine and Mu river. Garden lands and orchards are found in the urban area of Sagaing and some villages. Soil is the basic determinant of crop cultivation in any region. Almost all plain areas of the world, especially in river basins alluvial soil is predominantly found, which is conducive to 8 holding water and producing good crops. In comparison with this, in plateau and hilly areas coarse sandy soils with a mixture of stone pieces or red soils are found. In the areas of water logging generally saline soils are found which are unfit for raising food crops abundantly. Meadow Valley Soils are found on the higher portions of the valleys. In Sagaing Township are widely seen along the bank of the Mu River and in the south along the bank of the Ayeyarwady River. The layer of humus in these soils are thick. This soil is useful for growing such crops as paddy, groundnut and maize. In Sagaing Township, humus-poor Soil is found in the northern part of Yemyet ‘In’ and the north-western part of the township. They are found intermixed with the dark compact irrigated savanna soil texture. They are usually formed on the poorly drained flat lowlands. The soil is very sticky and compact. In such soils in order to produce more yield of crops, it should be deeply harrowed and ploughed until good tilt is obtained. Natural fertilizers and manures should be applied. It is also necessary to carry out irrigated farming too. The soil is found on the north-western part of the township. The texture of ‘B’ horizon is more compact and hard. Generally, the structure of the soil is blocky. There is only one percent of humus content. Sown area In examining the size of farmers per household according to the ratio of the cultivated land area and the number of cultivators, it is found that 59 per cent of the households within Sagaing Township owned the crop sown land area with sizes ranging between 0.01 sq. km to 0.02 sq.km per household. This group owned the largest amount of land area per household. 36 per cent of the households owned the crop sown land area with sizes less than 0.01 sq. km, a 5 per cent of the households owned the crop sown land area more than 0.02 sq.km. It is also found that some owners of economic enterprises or some businessmen rent the lands from the famers in order to grow some commercial crops at the rate of Kyats 300,000 /- per acre.

Source: Field Observation and Land Record Department of Sagaing Township, 2014 9

Human Inputs labour According to the UNDP standard , thee least working hours (time) for the workers per day is 8 hours. In Sagaing Township, the area of the cultivated land was 1054.72 sq.km and the number of the full time cultivators engaged in agricultural activities was 103317 persons. That is why the ratio of the area of the croplands to the number of farmers engaged in the cropland was (0.01 : 1) , i.e. ( 0.01 sq.km acres of land was cultivated by 1 farmer). The duration of the growing season to the harvesting time was on the average about 100 days. The number of working hours for one farmer was 800 hours. The regular normal wages / cost carried by per worker was about Ks 200000/-. The regular and normal way of one farmer for cultivating one acre of land was about Ks 80000/. At one growing season, the wage of the labourer per acre was Ks 30000/-. It is found that the total wage for one person is Ks 110,000 and plus the above expenses. Crops In Sagaing Township, double cropping , inter cultivation of crops as well as multiple- cropping system are used. The village tracts of Phehtayaw, Sindat, Natayaw and Ywathitgyi, Shwehlay and Thapatha are situated on the eastern part and southern part of Sagaing Township along the bank of Ayeyarwady River. 'Ya' crops and 'Kaing ' crops (crops grown in riverine tract) are grown on 95 per cent of the cropland area while all the three types of crops such as ' Le' crops ( where paddy is grown) ' Ya' crops and 'Kaing ' crops are grown on 13 per cent of the cultivated sown area.

Source: Field Observation and Land Record Department of Sagaing Township, 2014

During summer season villages along the bank of Mu River receive a small amount of river water and the weather at that time is dry 'Le' crops (paddy ), and 'Ya' crops (Dry crops) are mainly grown on 88 per cent of the croplands. In the village of Htandawseit, Talaingkyan, Depeyinkwe and Nyaungpinwin , all the (3) types of crops such as ' Le' (paddy) crop, 'Ya' crop (Dry crops) and 'Kaing ' crops on reverie tracts are grown occupying 7 per cent of the croplands in the region.

Within the central region of Sagaing Township 'Le' crop of (paddy land), and 'Ya' crops (Dry crops) are grown on 96 per cent of the area of the region. all three types of crops of 'Le' land (paddy land) 'Ya' land (Dry family land) and 'Kaing lands (riverine or riparian lands) are grown in Nomdwin village tract only.In the village tracts situated by the side of Yemyet In Lake, 'Le ' crop( paddy) and 'Kaing ' crops are grown. They are grown on 97 percent of the regions land area. 'Ya' crops are not grown here. Garden lands are grown on about 3 per cent of the cropland.

Garden lands are found within the urban area. Crops of market Gardening and orchards are grown an all the croplands.

Agriculture related with the Poor farmers

Generally the agricultural peasant farmers in Sagaing Township cultivate their crops mainly during the two grouping seasons in order to get income for their families. The Summer Crops and Early Summer Crops (Pre-Monsoon Crops) are grown on 2 percent of the land. 49 per cent of the land was from by the Rainy Season Crops. 49 per cent of the land was grown by Cool season crops and about 1 per cent of the land was grown by garden crops and vegetables. Although it had been described that 15.1 per cent of the people are poverty- stricken. The actual calculation for the poverty stricken people had not been carried out, the comparisons between the income and expenditure of the agricultural farmers are being analyzed and requirements of poverty elimination are found.

Income of Farmer

In Sagaing Township if the density of population is 1 per cent per .01 sq. km, 1 to 10 persons can live and settle on 0.01sq.km of agricultural cropland. In cultivating crops on 01 sq.km of land , the expenditure for ploughing, sowing , buying seeds, weeding ( cleaning of weeds), harvesting of crops and transportation unit cost about Ks 450,000/- when the farmer sells his crops he will get only Ks 600,000/- and so the profit or the gain he will get is about Ks 150,000/-. As the duration of cultivating the crop is 100 days and a little more days the regular or normal income will be about K 1500/- only per day. 11

Table(3) Types of Agriculture and Input ,Output Cost per Unit

lowest Le Ya Ya Kaing Kaing Sr Costs of input Highest lowest Highest Lowest Highest . production Cost/ Input input Input Input Input N per Acre (0.01) Cost/ Cost/ Cost/ Cost/ Cost/ o sq.km (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) sq.km sq.km sq.km sq.km sq.km Ks Ks Ks Ks Ks Ks 1 Ploughing 135000 1355000 45000 45000 60000 60000 2 Seeds 45000 105000 30000 75000 45000 60000 3 Transplanting (seeding) 60000 60000 30000 30000 30000 30000 4 Weeding, fertilizer, Pesticide 60000 105000 30000 90000 60000 90000 5 Harvesting, Threshing, winnowing 90000 90000 45000 60000 75000 60000 6 Farm to Home transport 90000 90000 30000 30000 60000 60000 Total cost 450,000 585,000 210,000 330,000 330,000 360,000 per 0.01 sq.km Income per 600,000 1200,000 360,000 900,000 450,000 600,000 0.01 sq.km Profit per +150,000 +615,000 +150,000 +570,000 +120,000 +540,000 0.01 sq.km Source: Field Observation,2014

If a farmer grow his crops according to double –cropping system (for two times ) he will take 200 days to complete the work. As the per capita income for 1 person is 2 dollars (U$2) , or Kyats 2000/-, in order to get the fixed standardized of income , one farmer should get about K 1500/ - or 75 per cent of the income. Moreover it is found that the farmer need to get an income for another 165 days (in addition to pervious income) . That is why the farmers had to work as other odd job workers in order to earn adequate income for their families when their work is not finished in the cultivated fields. It is found that 56 per cent of the cultivators do not get enough earnings for their families. There are 3 types of crops such as 'Le'(paddy) , 'Ya' (Dry crops) and 'Kaing' (Riverine Crops) crops can be grown on 2 per cent of the cultivated crop land.

Within Sagaing Township t ,'paddy' crops 'Le' crops are grown ,99 per cent of the farmers owned the least acreage of 0.01sq.km and above . That is why if a farmer wants to grows crops 12 on 0.01 sq.km of land , during one growing season, the least capital investment and the amount of the expenditure required is 4.5 Lakhs (K 450000/-) and the highest amount of capital investment and the highest amount of expenditure with be K 6 Lakhs(K 600,000/-) . The least profit for cultivating the land per area will be K 150,000/- and the highest profit will be K 600,000/-) for cultivating the land.

Influencing Factors of Agricultural Activities in Sagaing Township

Size of the farmer's Family

The size of 59 per cent of the families of the farmers was between 3 and 6 persons. About 92 per cent of the farmers owned the croplands areas between 0.001sq.km and 0.02 sq.km. The average yearly profit obtained from the double- cropping system during the 2 growing seasons will be between K 600000/- and K 1200000/- . The average expenditure for 1 farmer was K 7.1 Lakhs (K 710000/-)and the average expenditure for the farmer's family during 1 year will be from K21.3 Lakhs ( K 2130000/- ) to K 41.6 Lakhs (K 4260000). In Sagaing Township , 70 per cent of the farmers could spend only from K 50000 to K 120000 per farmer. That is why 70 per cent of the farmers are poor and 5 percent of the farmers are working jointly with other economic activities to get more additional income. Within Sagaing Township the members of the families of the farmers are engaged in extra job in order to get extra income daily for their livelihood. Out of 75 per cent of the farmers,60 per cent are working as extra job workers. The average daily wage of 1 extra jobs worker is K 3000/- or above K 3000/-. In villages along Ayeyarwady River 70 per cent of the households have family members from 3 to 6 members. These villages have the largest number of family members. Near Yemyet In Lake 40 per cent of the households in the region are household of farmers with 6 family members and above 6 members. Farmers with large family members have to meet with difficulties such as unemployment, difficulties to pay fees for education, when the children are of schooling age, difficulties to pay fees for medical treatment when health fails. These are the cause of poverty to the people living there.

Literacy of Farmers

In Sagaing Township, it is found that the age , educational qualification, literacy, easy reaching (arrival) of newspaper, as well as journals to the villages: knowledge of agriculture imported by agricultural experts especially in modern scientific method of agriculture of the 13 cultivators or farmer are related to the differences in the rate of the production of agricultural crops. The educational qualification of the farmers living in Sagaing Township are directly related to their observance and practice the methods or rules of agriculture as well as to have the zeal in getting the knowledge about the methods for the increase of the crop yield. 37 per cent of the standard of education qualification level of farmers living in the whole of the township reaches only to the primary school level. They formed the largest group ,26 per cent of the farmers who can just read and write formed the second largest group . 20 per cent of the farmers who had completed the Middle-school level and High School level formed the third group who are mainly numbers of the administrative Committee or society only 7 per cent of the farmers are graduated and they formed the least group of farmers.

The farmers in village tracts can commute the journey of the distance between the urban area and village tracts one day trip, yet as the travelling expenses are high, there are very few people who can go and buy newspaper or journals to read. Although there are libraries in the village tracts, only 2 per cent of the daily newspaper can reach the village tracts. Although about over 59 per cent of the villages within the whole of the township receive electricity ( electronic power supply) . Yet it is found that only about 1 percent of the electricity is used for the up-to date modern scientific agricultural method of cultivation within the township.

In Sagaing Township 60 per cent of the farmers are within the age group of over 55 years of age. 15 per cent of the farmers are within the age group between 25 and 55 years of age. 15 per cent of the farmers are within the age group below 15 years old age. 10 per cent of the farmers are within the age group of 15 and 45 years of age. They are people who works as daily wage earners ,earning about K 2500 per day within region were industrial and manufacturing industries or factories are set up. Some of the farmers go to Mandalay ot other big towns to do extra jobs and work as daily wage-earners. It is found that the number of people who emigrate to other places as emigrant workers are more then twice the number of workers who migrate into the places as immigrant workers. About 48 per cent of the people are jobless .

Natural Hazards

Within Sagaing Township the main natural hazard for the cultivation of crops is the flooding of Ayeyarwady Riverine. Although the level of water during the floods rises above the danger level mark about once in four years, yet at present the villages are met with the river floods at an unseasonable time or at an in-opportune time. During the rainy season crops are mainly grown. Oil producing 'Ya' crops are the most sown crops. Crops are grown in all the 14 seasons of summer, Pre-Monsoon period, Rainy season and in cool season along the Valley of Ayeyarwady Riverine. In 2013, the crop sown area along the valley of Ayeyarwady Riverine amounted to 182.61 sq.km. When the river floods occurred in that year, the crop lands were inundated and thus 50 per cent of the sown crops were destroyed and running at a lost.

Analysis of the suggestions given by the farmers

In order to carry out and to fulfill the aim regarding the upgrading of the standard of living of the cultivators within Sagaing Township, it is found that the problems can be solved by lending loan money to the peasant farmers. But as the loans which the farmers received were only about 75 per cent of the cost of crop cultivator, the farmers have to work jointly in other jobs or enterprises during the crop growing season in order to get sufficient income for their families . The modern up-to –date cropping systems such as double-cropping, multiple – cropping , inter cultivation of cropping system, rotation of cropping system have not been carried on as yet, it is found that the crop yield are small and the incomes of the farmers are low. It is also found that the rate of yield of crops depend upon the Human inputs into the business.

The cultivated crop lands within Sagaing Township are inundated paddy lands 'Le' lands and 'Ya' land (Dry crops) which depend on water taken from the irrigation canals to carry out agriculture crops. The conditions of the good, moderate and poor yields of crops are also found to be directly related to the ability of water in the crop land. At present on the croplands of villages which get electric power supply are available with water for wells and artesian wells are dug or drilled to pump out water for the cultivation of crops. 30 per cent of the village tracts beside Ayeyarwady River: 36 per cent of the village tracts beside Mu River, 56 per cent of the village tracts in Yemyet In Lake used water pumped out from the wells by using electricity. Within the whole of the township only 60 per cent of the village tracts can use electricity to produce or supply drinking water. Moreover by using electricity as tube wells or artesian wells can be drilled or dug, motor –powered generators can help in pumping out water needed for the irrigated cropland and irrigated crops. Actually, electricity is necessary to be supplied in every village tracts within the township. Only then the requirement of light (fuel or heat) and water can be simultaneously fulfilled.

The suggestions of the local region native residents or cultivators are : 43 per cent of water is required for cultivation of crops, 51 per cent of fertilizers is needed, 53 per cent of good strains of seeds , 38 per cent of machines or machineries, 55 per cent of knowledge needed for modern up-to –date method of cultivation as well as scientific method of cultivation of crops. 15

Depending upon the geographical factors of topography or relief, drainage and climate the agricultural activities of Sagaing Township consisting of the cultivation on 'Le' land (paddy); 'Ya' land (Dry land); 'Kaing-Kyun' land (Riparian land ); and Garden lands which are carried on by the farmers are met with the problems which are: System of Traditional cultivation methods are used in growing crops. Acreages of ownership of agricultural lands are decreasing . As modern educated children of farmers have increased their crops production a few of the young children of the cultivators can help their parents.

Some youths are leaving and working in the extra jobs workers. Most of the farmers are becoming old and cannot cultivate their lands as before. As good strains of seeds to grow in the next coming year are not kept, the farmers have to buy the seeds. That is why as the capital for growing the crop have to be invested the expenses for the cultivation of crops have increased. There is also less ownership of buffaloes and oxen for ploughing the land. There is less use in using the tractors and mechanized ploughs. By hiring the oxen and buffaloes the expense for the cultivation of crops have increased. There is also a few laborers to cultivate the land and so farmers meet with difficulties in getting farm hands or laborers who have to work in the fields. Due to uncertain and unpredictable climate there is scarcity of water for agriculture, dry soils with less fertility are problems met by farmers.

Insects and pests are the dangers to crops. Uses of natural fertilizers are decreased and the uses of chemical fertilizers are increasing. But as the farmers in applying the chemical fertilizers they do not know the right amount of fertilizers to be used the expense for buying the chemical fertilizer is high and the yield of crop is not high. In selling their crops farmers scarcely go to the whole sale center themselves only a few go there. The agricultural expense and agricultural loans are not used beneficially as the cultivations cannot manage how to use them correctly. During the growing season, when the income for the family is not sufficient the farmers have to do extra jobs jointly with the growing of crops. When they cannot concentrate on their main occupation, the production of crops has decreased .The crop yield is low, some owners of 'Ys' lands have to hire their lands to the water melon growers who practice Taiwan method of growing water melons. Although some croplands can be sold at a higher price, some of them are changed to lands used for other economic purposes. Some farmers are without land and are becoming jobless.

The jobless farmers leave their homes and have to shift or go to other regions or places to earn their living as odd-job workers. There are very few farmers who let their children to become 16 graduates. Moreover it is found flat children of some farmers who become graduates are jobless , such causes are the problems faced by the farmers of Sagaing Township.

That is why Sagaing according to the nature of the agricultural land ownership of the farmers collective farmland reclamation should be carried on . For the farmers who own land smaller than 1acre small scale sedentary subsistence Agriculture System should be implemented. Irrigation and drainage projects should be implemented and the croplands should be re- demarcated and re-derived. In order to solve the problems regarding the loss of laborers or run out of laborers they should not be met wage carriers of extra jobs should be given or taught the modern up- to- date knowledge regarding the cultivation method. Help or aid should be given to cultivators who carry out double-cropping ,multiple –cropping, rotation of cropping systems. Selection of good strains of seeds in the various cropping systems, choosing of the right type of fertilizers to apply to the cropland should be helped to the cultivators. Use of modern mechanized agricultural implements should be taught to the youth and working people. To give advices and encouragements to the cultivators in order to carry on agricultural activities as their major professional activities in order that they can overcome the natural hazards and poverty in their lives.

Analysis for the life of farmers in Sagaing Township In analyzing the social livelihood of farmers in Sagaing Township facts about the powerful strength the weaknesses , opportunities and threads are found as follows:- strengths - on the Eastern part and southern part of the Township lies Ayeyarwady River and on the western part of the township lies Mu River. - It is a flat region- 95 per cent of its area is suitable for the cultivation of crops . It is the region where mechanized agricultural implements and machines are being used. - It is suitable to grow various marketable pulses, wheat an cotton. If Human Impacts such as good strains of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides were put in and used, there can be increase in the rate of crop yields. - As it is near Mandalay, where there is Foreign crop market commercial crops can be grown. - In some village the cultivation of popular species of mangoes by the name of " Sein- ta-lone" can be grown in this Township - This species of mangoes as well as marketable crops can be grown in the market gardens. It is carried on and marketable popular crops are sown. - Farmers can carry out jointly together livestock breeding or animal husbandry industry and handcraft industries. 17

- On the cultivated lands where fallow lands are found , on these land industrial crop can be grown in such land. Weaknesses - This township can meet with natural hazards such as the occurrence of river floods during the Rainy Season. - If the bed rock of the region is not applied with fertilizers and if the crops are grown on such lands which are not applied with fertilizers, the rate of crop yield will be poor. - There are no students in the University of Agriculture from the villagers of this township. - Knowledge regarding agriculture and cultivation of crops cannot be given to all the villages. - Although the households an household units or family units had increased yet there are no carly preparations to carry out agricultural works. at present the practice of is carried on by a few households and such practice is decreasing . An odditional reserved income by doing odd-jobs by the farmers are increasing. - Planning Projects and Programmes regarding, Model cultivation of Government have not been carried on as yet. Opportunities - If carryings for the day or wages for the day balanced or is sufficient for the day , young people can come and work in the agricultural enterprises. - If the production rates of marketable crops are good there will be more works for the people. - Children of farmers can have educational opportunities to study and learn modern technical knowledge education which is taught at the Agricultural Schools , Institutes and Universities. - Nearness to the hospitals , and medical halls and clinics for health of the people. - There is no difficulty in transportation as there is good transportation which is connected to big towns. Threats - Agricultural enterprises or crop cultivation do not produce sufficient income to balance with the expenditure of the farmer . That is why the farmers are mostly full of debts. - 'Ya' crops (Dry crops) are mainly the crop grown more than 'Le' crops (paddy) in the agricultural cultivation enterprise. - It is a region which produces a few amount of rice for the daily use or consumption of the people in the region. - Native SME products are far away foreign Markets 18

Conclusions and Discussions

The agricultural enterprises or activity of Sagaing Township depends on the basic geographical factors which are topography or the physical features of the land, drainage and climate, the types of land worked by the cultivation of crops is carried on jointly by means of traditional cultivation system. The acreage of ownership of agricultural lands is becoming lesser. There are very few cultivators who know and understand about the basic modern up-to-date cultivation system. The modern present day educated youths who help in the agricultural activities with their parents are becoming few.

Some young people shift to other regions and are engaged in odd-jobs as ways earners. That is why there is a decrease of farmers engaged in agricultural fields who shift to other regions. Such children of farmers are only a few people who help their parents in the cultivation enterprises. By working as odd-jobs workers, there is a few people left to be engaged as agricultural farmers. Moreover in villages where the cultivators are becoming old, very few people are not eager to help their old parents in the cultivation of crops. In some places when the cultivators do not take interest in keeping seeds to grown in the next new growing season such farmers will have to pay more money to buy the required seeds. There will be more expenses in investing the capital for the cultivator of crops. It is also found that the ownership of drought animals such as buffaloes and oxen used to plough the load are becoming few. The expense in hiring these animals to cultivate the land is high. There are also many people who work as farmers and thus there are difficulties in irregular condition of climate it can cause the scarcity of water for the cultivation of crops.

The soils are also becoming dry and farmers have to face with the dryness of soil. Danger of destruction of crops by insects also is met. Moreover the use in applying natural fertilizers are in less amount and when the use of applying chemical fertilizers are not according to the right or correct ratio, the expense for the use of expensive chemical fertilizers will be high The cultivator will meet with a loss in cultivating the land. Lack of scientific knowledge and high expense will be met by the farmers. At the time of the scale of crops, the cultivators who go to the wholesale centre themselves are becoming scare. Direct selling of crops are also becoming less . Borrowing of agricultural loans are not used properly and the management of the use of loans are not used properly managed.

In Sagaing Township within Sagaing Region of Myanmar , the total population was 293567 persons. 77 % of the rural population amount to 226718 persons and 23 % of the urban population amounted to 66879 persons. Out of them 65 % are engaged in agricultural activities , 19

3% are commercial livestock breeding industries, 15% are engaged in sewing industries , 11 % are trading , 14% are odd job workers, 1% of is engaged in manufacture industries. 1% in fishing industries , 1% as government and public personals. About 20% of the cultivation of are engaged jointly in carrying out cultivation of crops and livestock breeding .

Within Sagaing Township 'Le' cultivation, 'Ya' farming and 'Kaing Kyun' and garden crop cultivation are carried out. During 2012-2013, in the Hot season or pre monsoon of crops were paddy, groundnut, sesame and Green Pe-di-seain were grown. Cultivation of there crops amounted 3% of the total cultivation of crops. Wet season crops are paddy , groundnut, sesame, sunflower , pedi-seain. They occupied 49% of the cultivation of the whole township. Cool season crops are groundnut, sesame, sunflower , pedi-seain , pesinngon, cotton and Sugar cane. Cultivation of the crops occupied 49% of the crops land of the township.

Perennial long term Garden crop cultivation is carried in widespread in all villages and more than the previous years. Sein-ta-lone types of mangoes, Taiwan guava, bananas , pepper and betel leaves are grown more than the previous years . In the agriculture activities methods occupying to traditional cultivation of crops which are carried on are amounting to 30% commercial cultivation of crops for balanced economy amounted to 10% of cultivation of crops are carried by 60% of the people as they did not have other alternative jobs to do. As there are no other jobs , the farmers had to stick to their agriculture work. They were meeting with climatic changes. In order to improve their cropland the farmers should apply chemical fertilizers, pesticide and modern cultivation methods although the expenses for buying these things may be high.

Sometimes when the farmers carried on agricultural activities jointly with odd-jobs to get extra money, the concentration on the cultivation of crops become less. As the rate of production of crops become low ,some have to sell their lands. Some have to hire their lands to the people who want to grow water melons, the type of species brought from Taiwan. although the croplands have been turned to other economic uses , the agricultural lands are getting lost or changed . Some cultivators have become odd-jobs workless. The children of farmers who become graduates are few in number and the chance of becoming graduated is few for their children. There are also becoming jobless.

It is found that 60 per cent of the production of paddy cultivation is sufficient for the people in the region. 40 per cent of the production of paddy cultivation is lacking for the sufficiency of paddy in the region. That is why, land reforms credit facilities of bank and co- operation, irrigation system by pumping improvements in cultivation of crops should be carried out: Livestock and Machine Agriculture System. Expansion of agricultural schools and other school building should be built to educate the children of the farmers. By doing so the social 20 status or life of the farmers will become improved in Myanmar. Basic knowledge regarding how to improve the cropland how to increase their income should be given to the farmers. Nowadays the farmers should realize that they cannot get enough income by carrying out cultivation of crops alone. They should also carry out other economic activities. In order to get additional income to support their families. They migrate to other places to get more income. The farmers should choose modern methods of cultivation and should carry out the new methods so that they may receive an improved higher level of the socio-economic development.

Acknowledgements

I am greatly indebted to the Chairperson, Dr. Nay Win, Professor and Head of the Department of Geography, University of Mandalay ,for allowing me to do this research paper .

I wish to express my most grateful appreciation Dr. Maung Thin , Rector of Mandalay University for his kindness in giving me permission to do this research. I would like to thank my teacher Daw Agnes Klaipo, Retired Professor of Department of Geography, University of Mandalay, for her critical reading and for correcting the errors. My deep thanks and gratitude are due to the personals who were concerned the various governmental offices of Sagaing Township for their allowances to collect and uses of their official data. Lastly, I owe to my thanks to all my teachers and colleagues who have helped me with great kindness and patience.

References

- Administrative Records (2014),Reports, Administrative Department, Sagaing Township. - Aung Win Kyi, Dr.(2009), A geographical Analysis on The Agricultural Land Use Based on the Types of Landform in Sagaing District, PhD Thesis, Mandalay University, Mandalay. - Aye Aye Than.Dr, ( 2013). Analysis on Problems Associated with The Use of pesticides in Crop Cultivation in Sagaig Township, PhD Thesis, Mandalay University, Mandalay. - Fellmann, Jerome Donald,(2007), Human Geography: landscapes of human activities, Nine Edition, New York.