Paungde, 27 August

The sesame harvest is now in full swing across Paungde Township, Nattalin District, Bago Region, beginning in mid-August with encouraging early results.

According to the Township Land Records Department, more than 3,000 acres out of a total 15,470 acres of rain-fed oilseed crops planted in 2025 have already been harvested. So far, the average yield stands at 20.27 baskets per acre—meeting the township's target.

Local farmers noted that sesame, a key traditional crop in the highland areas east of Paungde, typically takes about 80 days to reach harvest. Cultivated as a main livelihood crop, sesame continues to play an important role in the region’s agricultural economy.

As one of the primary crops in the township's agricultural development plan, sesame cultivation is expected to boost yield performance, support domestic edible oil self-sufficiency, and help reduce reliance on imported oils. Farmers are collaborating with Township Agricultural Supervision Teams to consistently meet or exceed the 20-basket-per-acre yield target.— Shwe Thar (IPRD)

Translated by JT