(Extract)
In the past, powerful and far-sighted kings had encouraged building dams and reservoirs to irrigate farmland as part of efforts for fulfilling sufficiency of food in the country.
During the period of Bagan Era, Zawgyi, Panlaung, Samon and Dokhtawady rivers in Kyaukse comprising nine districts in central Myanmar were dammed up for irrigation purposes, and today, Kyaukse bears the testimony to the rice basket of Bagan Era. Today, while the country is stable, the socioeconomy of the people is thriving showing some signs of improvement. One of the positive signs that have happened in Myanmar within two decades is a growing number of dams and reservoirs for irrigation across the country.