Dr. Tin Htut was recognized for being one of SEARCA's staunch partners in carrying out the Center's capacity building mandate on agricultural and rural development in Myanmar. He was also cited for his tireless efforts and contributions to agricultural and rural development in his country.
An outstanding rice plant breeder and agricultural research manager, and champion and leader of ARD in Myanmar and ASEAN, Dr. Tin Htut served as Rector of Yezin Agricultural University (YAU), and Director General of the Department of Agricultural Planning of MOALI from 2011 to 2015. Recently, he was appointed as Permanent Secretary, responsible for over thirteen departments under the Ministry. Dr. Tin Htut represents Myanmar in the Senior Officials Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-AMAF).
In his keynote message, Dr. Tin Htut called for an agricultural sector that aims for productive, prosperous, inclusive, dynamic, commercialized, resilient, and sustainable farming systems. He stressed the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2, which aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030, and Goal 15, which focuses on preserving life on land. He also mentioned the significance of fostering partnerships in achieving these goals, and cited SEARCA as having a pivotal role in moving forward policy and agricultural development strategy in the Southeast Asian region.
Dr. Tin Htut also presented Myanmar's rice policies from the perspective of a rice-importing country during the Roundtable Discussion on Rice Policies in Southeast Asia held on 8 December 2016 at SEARCA. (Dr. Bessie M. Burgos)