Local residents along the Tanai-Ledo road in Kachin State report that food security in the region could worsen due to decreased farming activities amid the ongoing the military situation.
Villagers from Nawng Mi, Wa Ra Zut, and Sha Du Zut along the Ledo road, who primarily rely on agriculture for their livelihood, are facing difficulties accessing their farmland due to the current military conflict.
A resident from Wa Ra Zut explained the situation: “Some farmers have completely suspended their activities due to uncertainty, while others continue farming on a limited scale. We can’t farm as thoroughly as in previous years.”
The villages of Nawng Mi, Wa Ra Zut, and Sha Du Zut traditionally cultivate thousands of acres of paddy fields. However, farmers who previously cultivated hundreds of acres are now limited to farming between 20 and 30 acres, with some managing only five acres, according to the Wa Ra Zut resident.
Local residents warn that this reduction in agricultural activity could lead to increased food scarcity in the region next year.
Another Wa Ra Zut resident said, “For locals, the situation could become more difficult. Those who can afford to farm have invested heavily, so rice prices are likely to rise further. Some are farming as much as they can, but because of the political situation and the lack of proper care, the yields can’t be as expected.”
Although the situation had been calm in Sha Du Zut area in Wa Ra Zut village tract for over a year, renewed military instability has disrupted not only farming but also other economic activities as well, according to reports.
Farmers also report that high commodity prices have made fuel for agricultural machinery unaffordable, further reducing the number of active farmers.
The conflict escalated after the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched offensives across Kachin State and in several townships since March, including along the Tanai-Ledo road.
As a result, residents from villages including Wa Ra Zut, Sha Du Zut, Awng Yar, and San Pya have preemptively evacuated to Moe Kaung and Namti areas, while others are preparing evacuation plans.
According to locals, due to the military situation, there is little prospect of celebrating traditional harvest festivals and Christmas celebrations in the coming year in some villages along the Ledo road.
Sent by KNG