MYANMAR’S prestigious “Pawsan rice” varieties are renowned for their exceptional qualities. Under the guidance of the Head of State, research was initiated in 2021 on “chemical-free clean Pawsan” rice, which originates in Yekyi Township of Ayeyawady Region, to ensure that this Pawsan rice becomes a healthy and safe food for human consumption.
The research was systematically carried out with the objectives of revitalizing degraded paddy soils, enabling farmers to use natural soil nutrients effectively, restoring damaged farmland, improving farmers’ socioeconomic conditions, increasing yields through the selection and cultivation of high-quality, regionally suitable varieties, developing a chemical-free market, and establishing a strong market for safe rice grown using natural soil nutrients and biological methods.
This research, conducted from 2021 to 2025, followed a farmer-centred research approach. Six Pawsan rice varieties were selected and used for the study: “Myaungmya Pawsan”, “Pyapon Pawsan”, “Shwewayin Pawsan”, “Pyapon Pawsangyi”, “Ayeyawady Pawsangyi”, and “Shwebo Pawsan”.
As part of the efforts of technicians and farmers, the “Ayeyawady Pawsangyi” variety was selected for chemical-free cultivation. Farmers collectively expanded cultivation up to 250 acres using national economic development funds, achieving an average yield of 95 baskets per acre.
Laboratory tests showed that this Pawsan rice, grown with natural soil nutrients, has superior qualities, including a more fragrant aroma, softer and tender texture when eaten, better cooking resilience, and stickiness. In addition, after cultivation, the levels of plant-absorbable potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen in the soil increased significantly.
The chemical-free Yekyi Pawsan rice has become popular at MSME exhibitions, and using national economic development funds, cultivation was expanded up to 250 acres. On 6 March 2025, during a competition of 41 Pawsan rice varieties, this chemical-free Yekyi Pawsan rice won the First Prize thanks to the efforts of farmers. The award was based on evaluations of the rice’s appearance, cooking and eating quality, and the farmers’ cultivation and care practices.
The research efforts have not only produced high-quality, safe rice for consumers but also effectively protected farmland from degradation. Being free of chemicals, it preserves natural nutrients without causing harmful side effects. By using natural soil nutrients, it restores soil health and helps maintain the ecosystem.
This method is cost-effective, reducing cultivation expenses per acre compared to conventional farming, supports economic sustainability, does not reduce yields, and, due to its high quality, increases farmers’ income and improves their socioeconomic well-being. Farming based on natural soil nutrients keeps farmland productive and greatly benefits consumer health. Therefore, cultivating chemical-free Pawsan rice is recognized as the best method for long-term, sustainable agriculture.
