Myanmar has been one of the fastest-growing South-east Asian economies for over 25 years, and the country’s macroeconomic performance has continued to experience gains in 2018. Efforts to encourage private sector activity have been detailed in a new long-term development agenda, and recent legislative reforms should further bolster business activities. While external economic headwinds and inter
On the back of inefficient government policies and limited public expenditure, the agriculture sector dwindled under military rule. However, in the wake of economic liberalisation, increased investment and structural reform, the sector’s potential is ready to be unlocked. In recent years efforts have been made to enhance agricultural output with greater investment in production and post-harvest infrastructure.…
Favourable weather conditions and improved yields have helped drive a return to growth in Myanmar’s agricultural sector, a trend likely to be supported by government efforts to embrace modern farming methods to ensure long-term sustainable development. The agriculture sector grew by 3.5% in FY 2017/18, which ended on March 31, rebounding from a drought-induced contraction recorded in FY 2016/17,…
Interview:Gerhard Hartzenberg With the introduction of modern farming techniques, what role do you expect Myanmar to play in Asia’s future food security? GERHARD HARTZENBERG: Looking at the current structure of Myanmar’s economy, agriculture is one of the most promising sectors for both domestic and foreign investors. The country has extremely fertile land, which allows farmers to grow…
While it has gradually reaped the rewards of diversification efforts to end overreliance on rice, Myanmar’s agriculture sector is now at a crucial juncture. Although progress has been made, structural impediments continue to weigh on farming output. However, a new development strategy is expected to enhance sector monitoring, boost production, and improve the industry’s regional and global competitiveness.…
While it has gradually reaped the rewards of diversification efforts to end over-reliance on rice, Myanmar’s agriculture sector is now at a crucial juncture. Although progress has been made, structural impediments continue to weigh on farming output. However, a new development strategy is expected to enhance sector monitoring, boost production, and improve the industry’s regional and global competitiveness.…
In a bid to consolidate various development plans under one common strategy, the government is working with several development partners to create an agriculture master plan for sustainable growth. Drafted with the help of the Asian Development Bank, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund, the Agricultural Development Strategy and Investment Plan…
With a view to achieving shared prosperity from increased food exports, development partners are working with the government to increase rice production and encourage the adoption of appropriate mechanisation in the agricultural value chain. Myanmar’s crop output is currently dominated by small-scale rice farmers, who operate with little knowledge of modern cultivation methods. Seeing as production…
Interview:U Win Aung, Chairman What can be done to improve the efficiency of Myanmar’s supply chain of agricultural products? U WIN AUNG: Around 70% of the population is still directly or indirectly involved in agriculture, meaning that most of the country’s household income comes from the sector. Given its relevance to Myanmar’s economy, agriculture has to be a political and investment…
Although recent GDP growth has moderated from the double-digit highs of the early 2000s, it has remained above 5% for more than 25 years, supported by robust natural resource exports, steady foreign direct investment (FDI), rising incomes and private consumption, and rapid expansion of the industrial and services sectors. External headwinds and internal conflict have dampened the near-term outlook
