Myanmar can flourish by sowing seeds of agricultural prosperity

Myanmar can flourish by sowing seeds of agricultural prosperity

"A multi-dimensional review of the country (pdf), carried out by the OECD Development Centre and multiple stakeholders in Myanmar over the past three years, identified agriculture and the agri-food industry as investment areas where the government would get the biggest bang for its buck. There is precedent: in China, Korea and Vietnam (pdf), agricultural growth was among the initial catalysts for modernising the wider economy and reducing poverty."

link: 

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/apr/11/myanmar-can-flourish-by-sowing-seeds-of-agricultural-prosperity

On 30 March, Htin Kyaw, a long-time adviser and ally of Aung San Suu Kyi – whose National League for Democracy party achieved a historic victory in recent elections – became the first elected civilian to hold office in Myanmar since the army took over in 1962.

The NLD won the democratic battle and enjoys unparalleled political capital and legitimacy. It must now deliver on exceedingly high expectations, build a cohesive multi-ethnic state and improve citizens’ lives. Economic progress will be indispensable if the country is to overcome years of ethnic armed conflict and move towards a common future. So what can the new government do?

Myanmar is one of south-east Asia’s poorest countries. More than 13 million people still survive on less than $1.25 (£0.88) a day, most of them in rural areas. Yet, Myanmar is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, precious stones, hydropower, fresh water and fertile lands that span several climate zones and can support a range of crops – from tea in the hills of north-eastern Shan state to rice in the Irrawaddy river delta. Myanmar also borders the economic powerhouses China and India.

A multi-dimensional review of the country (pdf), carried out by the OECD Development Centre and multiple stakeholders in Myanmar over the past three years, identified agriculture and the agri-food industry as investment areas where the government would get the biggest bang for its buck.

Though natural resource extraction can be fiscally tempting, 70% of the population, some of Myanmar’s poorest people, work in agriculture. Investment in this sector would build on the country’s natural climatic advantages and enable it to return to its historic role as south-east Asia’s rice bowl, a distinction it held in the late 1950s. There is precedent: in China, Korea and Vietnam (pdf), agricultural growth was among the initial catalysts for modernising the wider economy and reducing poverty.

Myanmar is far from making the most of its agricultural assets: 55% of farms are tiny plots – less than two hectares (4.9 acres) – with farmers using antiquated practices such as sowing and harvesting by hand. This is back-breaking, highly unproductive work. What raw products are produced are seldom transformed or fit for export.

more : link:  https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/apr/11/myanmar-can-flourish-by-sowing-seeds-of-agricultural-prosperity

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