MYANMAR is an agriculture-based country with abundant fertile land and rich natural resources. The nation is capable of successfully cultivating rice, beans, vegetables, as well as industrial crops across the country. With proper utilization and management of these resources, Myanmar has the potential to achieve food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainable economic development.
Some 1.2 million hectares of land in Myanmar are suitable for cultivating a wide range of crops. Each year, around 61 types of crops are planted, including rice, maize, oil crops, pulses, industrial crops, kitchen crops, fruits, and vegetables. Among industrial crops, there are seasonal, short-term, and perennial types. Cotton, for example, is a seasonal crop, sesame is short-term, while coffee and rubber are perennial. Cotton is mainly grown in Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Bago regions, covering roughly 500,000 acres. Achieving per-acre yields on the existing sown acreage would bring substantial benefits to the country.
The government places a high priority on food security and is taking active measures to strengthen it. Agricultural and livestock zones have been established to maintain a steady supply of meat and fish according to regional needs. Food security is being enhanced in stages to match local population needs—starting at 25 per cent sufficiency, increasing to 40 per cent, and ultimately aiming for full 100 per cent sufficiency.
In the last year, rice was cultivated on more than 7.18 million hectares, producing over 29.94 million metric tonnes. Oilseed crops covered over 3.34 million hectares, yielding 3.23 million metric tonnes, and pulses and beans were grown on 2.76 million hectares, producing over 4.13 million metric tonnes. To develop the oilseed sector, cultivation expansion programmes for groundnut, sesame, and sunflower are underway, with sunflower receiving special emphasis to meet domestic oil demand and reduce imports.
To increase crop production and raise farmers’ incomes, the government is implementing rain-fed rice, summer rice, and oilseed cultivation programmes with a national economic development fund of K286.1 billion. Moreover, K32 billion has been allocated for livestock programmes, including broilers, layer ducks, and pig breeding across various regions. For irrigation and water distribution, K0.604 billion has been invested to support cultivation.
Ensuring adequate food security for all citizens is essential for a better life and future. Citizens have the right to sufficient food, improved production, full nutrition, and better social and environmental conditions. Enhancing agricultural systems, transforming production practices, promoting investment and innovation, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are key measures. By prioritizing these initiatives, Myanmar can achieve strong domestic food security while promoting national economic development.
