Following a two-day investigation, two agriculture companies in the town of Budalin, which is located in Sagaing region, have been caught growing illegal Chinese fertilizer. The seized amount is worth MMK3,000,000 (approximately US$2,300).
The companies also operated watermelon farms, which is presumably where the fertilizer was being utilized to promote the plants’ growth.
Five Chinese employees who were working there have also been detained for questioning.
“The companies were established under a Myanmar name. However, the supervisors and the actual individuals growing the crops were Chinese nationals. We believe that the fertilizer was not meant for commercial distribution, and was only for use within their own farms,” Vice President Thitsa of the Sagaing Regional Watermelon and Cucumber Growers and Exporters Association told 7Day Daily.
Authorities are now investigating as to whether or not the companies have been paying the proper taxes. The Ministry of Labor is also looking into the Chinese citizens’ backgrounds.
The government has recently been attempting to crack down on illegal foreign workers. Last month, Yangon authorities raided several construction sites and K5,000 shops for any signs of illegal immigrants, but came up empty-handed.
