MYANMAR AGRICULTURAL SURVEY SUMMARY
January 14-February 8, 2013
Conducted by
Norman Stanley and Doug Umbanhowar
Locales visited
Farms visited
Markets visited
Yangon
8
2
Kalay
4
Taunggyi
2
2
Pyin Oo Lwin
3
1
Lashio
2
______
Total visits
________
19 farms/many vegetable gardens
5 markets
OVERVIEW:
We interviewed 88 farmers in 9 different meetings with 168 people present.
Crops grown: Rice, corn, beans, peanuts, gourds, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, sunflower, sesame,
garlic, onions, red chilies, egg plant, mint, salad vegetable greens, mustard, cucumbers, Taiwan water
cress, ginger, cabbage strawberries, flowers, pineapple, oranges lemons, mangoes, papaya, blueberries,
bananas, bamboo, jack fruit, and dragon fruit
Animals grown: Pigs, cows, water buffalo, chickens, ducks, goats, local fish, and tilapia
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
Most of the rice was produced in the Yangon area and it was dry land rice production. Mainly
because wells for irrigation were unavailable to them due to cost. A few farmers did have wells for
irrigation. Farm acres ranged from 1 acre to 15 acres owned. Less than 10 farms rented additional land.
Livestock primarily consisted of pigs and chickens and most had 1-3 animals in the larger animal
categories. Markets for their products were very limited. Vegetables were sold or used locally. Some
fruits and vegetables were taken or sent to the larger markets in Yangon on a weekly basis. Rice was
sold immediately upon harvest due to the need to repay the government loan. Prices received for rice
appears to be at the discretion of the middle man buyer. Many farmers commented that they thought
commercial fertilizer was ruining their soil. Most were only using urea fertilizer. Composting was not
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widely recognized or used. Most have plenty of rice straw, banana leaves and other vegetables
available which could be easily composted.
If increased freedom and movement towards capitalism continues, the new companies will bring more
competition, which should lead to more production information and education for farmers in Myanmar.
SPECIFICS OF THE SURVEY:
Number of Farmers
__________
Total Present
____________
Nyaung
Village 1
16
20
Sang Chaung Bok
Village 2
13
28
Baygone Kyi
Village 3
12
40
Labada
Village 4
5
15
14
35
Pasat Aung Thang Kalay Church Meeting 5
Taunggyi@ Manasseh’s
Meeting 6
3
8
POL Ywathit Kalay Church
Meeting 7
20
33
Lashio- KoKo Aung
Meeting 8
3
6
Lisu- Shan Village
Meeting 9
2
6
__________
__________
88 farmers
191 present
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS: VILLAGE #1-NYAUNG
20 present-16 farmers- Grows: rice, peanuts, vegetables, pigs and chickens. They prefer to change crops.
Must rotate crops like peanuts and beans after 3 years of rice because of decreased soil fertility. Few
irrigation wells….must rely on rainfall. Most obtain a government loan to plant crops. Average rice yield
is 80 bushel/acre. It costs 50,000 kyat’s/acre to produce rice. 1500 kyat’s/bushel received at harvest. If
expenses are correct, they net about $80/acre for labor and profit. Must sell crop immediately at
harvest, in order to pay back government loan.
Never soil test. They need outside help to understand soil testing, fertilizer analysis, tillage methods and
other basic science information.
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THREE LOCAL FARMS, VISITED.
1- Asia Children’s Mission- 2 ½ acre site
Farm needs developed….currently no crops or livestock. They are removing large trees. A well is
needed for irrigation purposes. Soil looks good, however needs soil tested.
2 - A 13 acre farm owned by a 30 year old man with 2 sons and a father helping him. Raises:
eggplant, beans, gourds, and rice. Vegetables and rice are sold in Yangon markets. Has a 4 inch well for
irrigation with gasoline engine and pump.
3- Farm of 8 acres. This man sold the 2.5 acres to ACM. He learned farming techniques from his
parents. Raises: mint, peanuts, rice, radishes, and salad vegetables. Sells farm products every 2 days in
Yangon. Has irrigation canals and water.
The village of Nyaung with about 60 families , lies near these 3 farms.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS FOR VILLAGE #2 SAN CHAUNG BOK
Sawda Kalay, a Karen Baptist evangelist took us to the village.180 Christians live in this primarily
Burmese village.
28 present-13 were farmers-owning 6-10 acres each, some also rent 1-10 acres. 11 own animals,
chickens, ducks, pigs and cows. Grow 2-3 rice varieties, radishes, beans, cucumbers, andTaiwan water
cress. Grow 2 crops of rice/year. Borrows 50,000 kyat’s per acre for rice production. Major goal is to
improve existing crops and add new ones. Do not use chemical fertilizer only organic manure, because
they can’t afford it and don’t see advantage of chemical fertilizers. Never soil test. 100/120 bu/acre is
possible if use chemical fertilizer. Need better varieties and knowledge of what is available. No
government help and information is available, according to them.
Also visited a number of rice and vegetable farms in the area. One rice farmer had 20 acres. Joshua
Leme’s farm-2 acres of rice, pigs, chickens, and fishpond. Also visited Josiah’s ACM Hope Orphanage
farm with vegetables, pigs and 500 laying hens.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS FOR VILLAGE #3- BAYGONE KYI- This is a remote village a mile off the main
road. They used an amplification sound system to call villagers to the meeting. Appeared to be poor
families; however they owned 5-10 acres each.
40 present- 12 were farmers. They grow Aiya rice, squash, beans, gourds, cucumbers, and other
vegetable crops. A community water well was used by the village. No irrigation, so rely on rainfall, a
very dry area. Raises: chickens, pigs, cows, buffalo and goats. They would like to raise new varieties of
chickens and pigs. Last year they harvested between 30-40 bu. /acre of rice. Buyers wouldn’t buy it
because of low quality. They sold it personally at the mill. They are generally paid 3,000kyats / bushel
of rice. They use urea and phosphorus on large rice fields and only cow manure on gardens.
Government sells them fertilizer at the time they provide loan to farmers. The farmers claimed “that
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there is no way to improve our land or community. Only the rich benefit”. They have never heard of soil
testing. They produce their own rice seed for planting. Most use buffalo, but a few rent a walking
tractor. They must sell rice immediately upon harvest to pay back loans. Feed only rice straw and
damaged rice to animals. No other protein source. It was difficult for them to answer the question
whether they enjoy farming.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS FOR VILLAGE #4- LABADA
15 present- 5 farmers- farms range from 3-15 acres. Three farmers have sold their farm land and are
now making bricks from their soil. They raise the Ayar rice variety and many vegetables. Produce dry
land rice only-no wells for irrigation. One water well for the whole community. Raise local chickens,
ducks and pigs. The first comment made by the group was “The government gives bad fertilizer and
farmers are poor.” They use urea fertilizer on rice and it turns rice plants red in color. Spread urea
fertilizer by hand. They never heard of soil testing.
They indicated it cost 200,000kyats/acre for rice and received 90,000kyats/acre at harvest. This last
year they lost 110,000kyats/acre on rice. They must have 5-10 acres of rice to get a 40,000kyats
loan/acre. Two 50Kg/bags of urea cost 40,000kyats and they mix it with 2 bags of organic manure.
Some keep the rice for home use and some sell all of it to a buyer. They all use walking tractors, which
they own. They feed animals rice only. They would like to have better varieties of crops. The key is
“technology and investment” according to them.
We visited two large distribution markets in Yangon. One was where most of the produce in and around
Yangon was sold. The other market was where most of the other products from the rest of the country
were brought for sale and distribution. Both markets were what we considered “mega markets” with
hundreds of vendors.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS FOR MEETING #5-KHUAH SANG’S CHURCH @- KALAY
35 present, 14 farmers, 14 students, 7 ministers. Farms range in size from 2-8 acres. 8 own farms, 5
rent. Crops grown: rice, peanuts, sunflower beans, cabbage, garlic, onions, cauliflower, corn and red chili
peppers. Animals grown: cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and goats. Chemical fertilizer was used only on rice.
They claim that it dries out the soil. They would like to raise new crops, but don’t know what is best.
They would also like to raise more pigs, cows and buffalo. Average rice crop yields were 60-70 bu. /acre
with use of chemical fertilizer. They used animal power. Very few tractors…. couldn’t afford, and manual
labor is readily available for weeding and harvesting. Major limitations are finances, lack of information,
and adequate skill levels. Government rarely provides information. Again, they have never heard of soil
testing. Cost per acre to raise rice is 100,000kyats. Receive 280,000kyats/acre when sold (based on 6080 bu. / yield/acre). Receive 160,000kyats/acre on 40bu/yield/acre. Receive 40,000Kyats/acre loan
from government to plant. They have no understanding of a marketing cooperative.
We visited 3 farms around Kalay and Chin Hills area. They were mostly rice and vegetable farms and
were very productive.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS- MEETING #6-TAUNGGYI- MANASSEH FISH’S HOME
8 present: 2 evangelists who were also farmers, Timothy Fish, an agricultural graduate, and TBC faculty
and staff. Raises: vegetables, corn and mangoes. No rice. Animal grown: pigs and chickens.1-2
acres/farmer. Mostly slash and burn agriculture in area where evangelists were farming. They would
like to grow citrus however no money to get the trees established. No stable market available. Almost
anything would improve family income and conditions.
Visited TBC College where they raise vegetables and pigs. The college would like to buy more land
nearby to raise more crops. Also visited Manasseh’s property where vegetables, corn and pigs are being
raised. While in Taunggyi we visited 2 additional markets. One was a large open air market near the
main center of town. This was a large market with many vendors including fruit, vegetables, flowers,
meats and home furnishings.
Norman also visited a smaller local market near TBC College which had local fish, meats, vegetables and
fruits. Many vendors arrived in the morning with their wares by train from the mountains and villages in
Shan State
HIGHTLIGHTS OF FINDINGS FOR – MEETING # 7-PYIN OO LWIN -YWATHIT KALAY CHURCH-33 present20 farmers- 12 vegetables gardeners. All owned their land, 2-5 acre farms.Raises: pineapple, gams (a
fruit) onions, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, ginger, rice. They would like to grow mangoes.
They can’t buy additional land because it is very expensive. They can only obtain a loan for rice crops.
Pineapple requires 2 years from planting to harvesting. Cost 200,000kyats/acre. Most farmers use
chemical fertilizer they buy at the store. They were unsure of yields, very uneven, varies year to year.
The lowest price is 30-50kyats per pineapple. Best price is 100-150kyats per pineapple (based on
quality). No loans are available for pineapple production by small farmers. Require mostly manual labor.
They pay 3,000kyats per day for a male laborer. Pay 1,500kyats per day for a female laborer. Animals
are fed whatever is available. Some buy mixed feed for pigs.
We discussed in detail soil testing and marketing cooperatives. They hadn’t heard of either. They would
like to obtain soil test kits. They were very interested in both. Currently they get the highest price
when sold in Mandalay rather than Pyin Oo Lwin.
We also visited a very large central market in downtown which included a multitude of vendors and
products. Many vendors were selling the same things. Competition is great.
While in Pyin Oo Lwin, a number of individuals encouraged us to consider finding a citrus specialist to
help with their declining citrus problem in the Putao area of Kachin State. Dakum Pi Graham shared
with us both samples of fruit and photos of diseased trees and fruit from that area. Older grafts
completed by the Morse family in the 1940-50’s are declining in production. They indicated the area has
been a great fruit producer and they want to see that quality of fruit returned to the area.
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We also visited 3 farms in the Pyin Oo Lwin area. Jessie’s strawberry and flower farm- 6 acres. He
grows a Japanese strawberry variety (sweet and flavorful), flowers and vegetables. He had a well and
pump for irrigation and also composted his vegetative by- products.
Peter D. and his wife- Lisu Baptist- Demonstration farm- 6 acres. Raises: strawberries, many vegetables,
no rice. Also had a cow and a small bio-gas methane digester and a concrete compost bin with
earthworms inserted. He had a well for irrigation. An organic farm.
Also visited a nearby farm owned by Samuel, another faculty member of Lisu Baptist Seminary. He and
his parents raised strawberries, vegetables, beans and flowers. He also had irrigation capacity.
HIGHTLIGHTS AND FINDINGS FROM MEETING #8- LASHIO KOKO AUNG’S DEMONSTRATION FARM
6 acres of sloping land: 6 present-3 were farmers- Husband and wife team, Sinand and J J manage the
farm. Raises: rice, faith garden, vegetables, blueberries tilapia, local fish, pigs, chickens and ducks. This is
designed to be a demonstration farm outside of Lashio and 4 hours from the China border. There is a
well, a natural fish pond and a concrete reservoir for raising fish. The farm is steeply sloped and is
incorporating sloping agricultural practices and terracing. Currently they are planting eucalyptus, teak
trees and blueberries. The purpose is to demonstrate to local farmers the ways to improve their
agricultural production. They have a classroom building for holding seminars and classes on agriculture.
Soils need tested! They would like to increase their livestock numbers so they could build a bio-gas
digester and use the manure.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FINDINGS-MEETING #9- NEAR LASHIO-SHAN VILLAGE -6 present-1 Lisu farmer and
wife. 1 acre farm with water run-off from a Buddhist monastery. Raises: eggplant, broccoli, various
vegetables, peanuts, bananas, bamboo, pigs and chickens. He is interested in developing new crops. He
is currently considering a Chinese plant which produces resinous sweet material which can be
dehydrated and sold for 500kyats per small pack. Major limitation is their limited income for investing in
other enterprises. His agricultural practices appeared good.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
1-There are some knowledgeable agricultural individuals within Myanmar and our first
suggestion would be to contact and network with those individuals and groups to gain a better
understanding of what agricultural expertise is available within the country.
Examples of contacts:
Peter and Samuel at Lisu Baptist Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin-Demonstration farm
Timothy Fish, agricultural graduate in Taunggyi
KoKo Aung (Breckenridge Merkle) and farm staff in Lashio
Government agricultural officials in the capital city of Na Pi Taw
Joel in Pyin Oo Lwin
Josiah Leme at Asia Children’s Mission- Hope Orphanage
Two local farmers near ACM’s 2 ½ acre farm outside of Yangon. Contact Josiah Leme or
Timothy Pungsar for information
Local vegetable farmers near the Chin Hills, outside of Kalay. Contact Khuah Sang at MBI for
information.
2- Search the Internet for agricultural information from other countries which may be applicable
to your growing conditions.
3-The next travelers from the US should take a number of soil test kits to be demonstrated and
to be used by the farmers in various areas throughout the county. They could be distributed
through EBI, MBI, TBC and KTC colleges.
4-Contacts through agencies such as CHE, ECHO and other community and agricultural outreach
organizations have resources available to assist in improving agricultural practices, community
health and hygiene education.
5-Basic information on improving agricultural practices should be offered and provided around
the country in 2-5 day seminars. This would be a hands-on approach to develop knowledge of
such things as soil testing, chemical fertilizer analysis and value, composting, varietal differences
herbicides, pest control and marketing cooperatives.
6-US contacts should encourage and promote finding agricultural specialist who would be
willing to visit and assist with teaching, demonstrating and assisting with resolving some of the
agricultural issues and problems in Myanmar.
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