Myanmar, formally known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country with a population of around 54 million people. The country is located at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia and is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and abundant natural resources.
One of the most important natural resources in Myanmar is rice. Rice is a staple food in Myanmar and is grown in almost every part of the country. The country is the seventh-largest producer of rice in the world, accounting for approximately 43% of total agricultural production in the country. Out of 67.6 million hectares of land, 12.8 million are used for cultivation. In 2019 alone, Myanmar accounted for 13,300 million metric tons of milled rice production.
Myanmar has a long history of rice cultivation, dating back to the 11th century. The country's favorable weather and governmental intervention in the form of agricultural policies have made it a major rice-producing and exporting country. The production is undertaken using traditional cultivation methods, particularly during monsoon season, which has led to the development of different varieties of rice.
Rice has always been a staple food in Myanmar due to its ability to be cultivated regardless of location. The production of rice for economic means was encouraged as a result of British colonization, resulting in the growth of 92% of the principal rice-growing districts. However, after World War II, approximately half of all cultivation land was abandoned as a result of mass migration from rural to developed areas. Governmental intervention during a 10-year period from 1955, through the introduction of the Land Nationalization Act, ensured land security and loans, among other incentives, which increased rice production.
Despite the amalgam of problems to address in such settings, prioritizing the easing of transport restrictions and facilitating cheap and safe spatial arbitrage of food products would likely help prevent further food price inflation, assure higher farm prices, and therefore improve welfare.
In conclusion, rice production in Myanmar is heavily dependent on human and animal power, with four types of soils that ensure optimal rice growing. Although soil has a large impact on rice yields, there are many constraints that affect production, including unpredictable weather, low seed quality, and fertilizer amounts. However, the government of Myanmar has been heavily involved in creating policies to aid rice production, allowing private traders and companies to engage in trading activities since 1989. Today, rice is grown year-round, thanks to irrigation systems, and is a vital part of the country's economy and culture.