YANGON, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation is stepping up preparations to mitigate the potential impact of El Nino on the agricultural and livestock sector, the state-owned The Mirror Daily reported on Thursday.
At a coordination meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung urged relevant departments to work closely with regional authorities, assess potential risks and prepare for the most severe possible impacts, the report said.
He called for assessments of available resources and capacities, as well as contingency plans to ensure adequate supplies of agricultural and livestock breeds and sufficient irrigation and drinking water. He also stressed the need for efficient and equitable water distribution, it said.
The minister further called for the timely dissemination of El Nino warnings and precautionary guidance through various media channels in clear and accessible formats.
Department heads and university rectors briefed the meeting on their preparations to mitigate potential impacts, while U Min Naung urged all sectors to prioritize preventive measures and ensure timely responses to emergencies, the report said. ■