Agriculture
From The Report: Myanmar 2014
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While estimates may vary, the sector contributes 43% to GDP and employs 70% of the working population, according to the World Bank. Almost everything can be grown in Myanmar, from tropical fruits and vegetables to rice and pulses. It is sometimes said to have the most fertile soil in Asia. The country is known for its rice, teak and mangoes, but it also produces rubber, oil seeds, cotton, corn, chillies and pulses, with a total of 60 crops grown. If the country manages to avoid the pitfalls of agriculture that have challenged other countries in the region and works to best practices, success will build on success and a healthy agricultural market will be restored.
This chapter contains an interview with U Ye Min Aung, Secretary General, Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) and Managing Director, Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The golden land: Technical development and reform can help unlock the treasure trove
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Agriculture dominates the economy of Myanmar. While estimates vary, the sector contributes 43% to GDP and employs 70% of the working population, according to the World Bank. With rich soil and a diverse climate, the country has suitable agricultural conditions, with fertile lowlands in the Irrawaddy basin, rainforests, the so-called “Dry Zone”, and highlands and mountains. Low Hanging Fruit Almost anything can be grown in the country, from tropical fruits to vegetables to rice and pulses (see…

Interview

OBG talks to U Ye Min Aung, Secretary-General, Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), and Managing Director, Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO)
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Interview:U Ye Min Aung What opportunities are available to foreign investors interested in the agriculture sector? U YE MIN AUNG: Many in the agriculture sector will remember that, in the 1950s, Myanmar was known as the “Rice Bowl of the World” and we were the largest rice exporter. We are now becoming a key player in the agro-sector once again. There is an urgent need to develop financing for small and medium-sized businesses: insurance options for crop protection, human resources,…

Analysis

Finger on the pulse: Strong global demand and a suitable climate aid legumes production
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Myanmar can learn a lot from pulses. In fact, output has grown exceptionally fast over the past two decades. This is mostly as a result of fewer strict state controls, and farmers being allowed to plant, harvest and sell them freely. In many ways, the history of pulses, in particular beans, goes a long way to showing that heavy-handed intervention did not work and that reform and liberalisation are the best course of action. A National Favourite Legumes were brought to British Burma in the 19th…