2020-03-02 Mon

Peasants Day is a public holiday observed in Myanmar on March 2. It commemorates the anniversary of Ne Win's coup in 1962.

Ne Win was a Burmese military commander and socialist politician. On March 2, 1962, he seized power in a coup d'état and became the leader of Burma. Ne Win ruled the country for 26 years until he was overthrown during the 1988 military coup. Ne Win's government pursued land reform policies aimed at protecting the interests of the peasants.

Although Ne Win is a controversial figure and his rule did not have the best impact on the country's economy, the anniversary of the 1962 coup was declared a public holiday known as Peasants Day. Agriculture is the predominant industry in Myanmar. It accounts for 60% of the GDP and employs approximately 65% of the country's population. Thus peasant workers make a significant contribution to the country's economy.

They also appear in various banknotes of the country. This particular banknote is a 90 Kyats banknote issued in the year 1987. The Reverse of the note features Farmer plowing with oxen at center left and rice plantation at the upper right corner. The farmers are shown wearing traditional clothes and headgears.

Image Courtesy: panix.com