Crop production and profitability in Ayeyarwady and Yangon

Agriculture is central to Myanmar’s rural economy. Yet few detailed data are available on the characteristics of agriculture in this important area. The Myanmar Aquaculture-Agriculture Survey (MAAS) addressed this knowledge gap through a statistically representative survey of 329 agricultural households in Maubin, Nyaungdon, Twantay and Kayan townships in Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions, as part of a larger survey of 1,102 rural households. Based on these results, the following recommendations are advanced: (a) undertake benefit-cost analysis of improved drainage to allow increased paddy cultivation in low lying areas in the v monsoon season; (b) increase access to irrigation for dry season crops cultivation; (c) enhance access to improved varieties for all major crops; (d) identify pulses varieties that allow mechanized harvesting; (e) encourage crop and livestock diversification; and (f) improve the productivity and profitability of green gram production.Non-PRFeed the Future Innovation Laboratory for Food Security Policy (FSP); IFPRI5DSG