A project analyzing the causes of crop losses in Myanmar's dry zone, funded by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, has been completed, state-run newspaper The Mirror reported on Wednesday.

A ceremony marking the project's completion was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, the report said.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation U Min Naung said that climate change, drought, and crop pests are major causes of crop losses in the dry zone. It is found that pests have affected rice, oilseeds, cotton crops, and legumes. Crop losses mainly occur within a month of planting and during storage, while post-harvest losses are also common, he said.

The union minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project, saying that it helps benefit farmers in dry zones and boosts production in the region, the report said.

The project, funded by the LMC Special Fund 2022, was carried out in seven townships in Mandalay region and eight townships in Magway region, the report said.

The project has significantly helped farmers increase their income and profits as agricultural experts have been able to share information on reducing crop losses, crop rotation, variety selection, changes in cropping systems, soil and water management, integrated disease prevention and control methods, and climate-adapted farming practices, the report said.

With the LMC Special Fund 2022, a total of seven projects have been implemented by the ministry, according to the report.