THE Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is planning to start granting leases to fish farmers around the country next month, said a department official.

“The Department and the Myanmar Fisheries Federation are currently discussing how many years it will be good for, and what kind of tax will be assigned to a lease,” said U Htun Thiha, a staff-officer from the department’s Legal Section.

Fish farmers who hold a La Na/39, a license issued by the government in their respective division, will be eligible to apply for a lease.

U Htun Thiha said the goal of the lease program is to systematize the fish farming sector and collect legal taxes from it.

The president of the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association, U Than Lwin welcomed the announcement about leases for fish farmers, though he said procuring an La Na/39 from their respective divisions still takes a long time for many fish farmers.

The lease will help fish farmers who have financial problems or need investment because it can be used to borrow money and can be pawned in the bank, he said.

“Getting a lease is very important for fish farmers because right now it is farming season and they need so much investment.” said U Than Lwin.
For the convenience of fish farmers, the department is planning to give out leases quickly.