Rice Export : Production Forecast To Remain Low Due To El Nino

The Myanmar Rice Federation forecasts lower yield of rice in the coming fiscal year due to predicted dry weather conditions. But the federation has plans ahead to at least maximize production capacity and continue exporting. 

The rice export volume will decrease this fiscal year due to weather changes and declining production rate, Myanmar Rice Federation officials said in their recent annual meeting Friday. Despite uncertainties, the federation targets to export 1.5 million tons of rice next fiscal year.

JOINT SECRETARY GENERAL ,MYANMAR RICE FEDERATION ,DR. SOE TUN : "There were a lot of natural disasters last year and there would also be El Nino year. So, we will face insufficient rice this year and there are so many challenges for production and for the development of farmers. This year, we are targeting to export 1.5 million tons of rice. So, the rice export will be less than last year". 

But efforts for better harvest continue. The federation aims for higher yield and exports through opening branch offices in villages.

TREASURER ,MYANMAR RICE FEDERATION ,AUNG MYINT : "We could export 1.8 million tons last fiscal year, For the development of the country’s rice sector, it is also crucial to develop the farmer’s life. We need not only to provide loans but also to do something for the reclamation of lands and for better transportation in the villages". 

CHAIRMAN ,MYANMAR RICE MILLERS ASSOCIATION(AYEYARWADDY REGION) ,SOE WIN : "It is not easy for farmers to reclaim farmlands and they need government and international organization assistance. To increase the production rate, we also need to create the mechanized farms. Because working with machine is more efficient than man labor and it can reduce the cost". 

According to the Rice Federation, 10 % to 20% of the rice production is used for export and the rest for local consumption.