"Nay Pyi Taw, 4 Feb — Amyotha Hlutaw session on Wednesday discussed the motion calling for the union government to take systematic measures for yam cultivation in suitable areas submitted by Representative U Har Shein Bway. The motion was seconded by Representative U Paw Lyan Lwin. He said that it is necessary for the government to arrange loans for yam cultivation at low interest rates while the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Cooperatives are required to set up yam purchasing centres in villages. Representative U Salai Khweyan supported the motion, saying that yam can be a new product item that will raise the income of the country if yam researches are conducted and the cultivation is expanded. He also called for the government to provide financial and technical assistance to yam farmers. Representative U Nyunt Tin said it is necessary to form an organization of yam farmers for successful cultivation of yam. Concerning the motion, Union Minister for Commerce U Win Myint said that the country exported 3,525 tons of yam worth US$ 6.489 million up to 16 January in 2014- 15 fiscal year, adding that helping yam farmers will contribute to raising the living standards of yam farmers and increased export earnings of the country. He continued to say that a body has been formed and the ministry has urged authorities to set up yam cultivation zones. In conclusion, he said that systematic storage and processing techniques will help raise the prices of yam in the market. The session approved the motion and accepted another motion for discussions urging the government to establish libraries in basic education schools. Representative U Moe Myint raised a question at the session on construction and maintenance of school buildings in No. 1 Basic Education High School in Myeik. Deputy Minister for Education Dr Zaw Min Aung said the government has allotted K 64.8 million for construction of a building in 2015- 15 fiscal year and arrangements will be made to allot more fund for maintenance of a school building."