Rice establishment methods in Myanmar: Trends, perceptions, and constraints

Joseph Goeb, Bart Minten, Nang Lun Kham Synt and Zin Wai Aung

No 131, Other briefs from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Abstract: Key Findings: Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is widely adopted in Myanmar rice production, used by around 50 percent of farmers during the monsoon season and about 75 percent during the dry season, accounting for the majority of cultivated rice area. Rice establishment methods remained relatively stable from 2023–2025 despite political instability, market disruptions, labor shortages, and price volatility. DSR adoption is higher among larger farms and non-irrigated farms, indicating that labor and water constraints strongly influence establishment choices. Broadcasting is the dominant DSR method, particularly dry broadcasting, while row planting remains uncommon. Most farmers believe puddled-transplanted rice (PTR) produces higher yields than DSR, with an average perceived yield advantage of about 11 baskets per acre. Farmers overwhelmingly perceive PTR as more labor-intensive, while differences in fertilizer and pesticide use are viewed as relatively small or mixed. Labor shortages and water constraints are the primary reasons for adopting DSR, not perceptions of lower profitability or lower yields under PTR. Recommended Actions: Strengthen investments in irrigation and water management systems to reduce water-related constraints and enable farmers to choose establishment methods based on productivity rather than necessity. Address rural labor shortages through mechanization support, labor-saving technologies, and improved access to agricultural services. Develop and disseminate best management practices for DSR, particularly for weed control, seed establishment, and water management to improve productivity and profitability. Conduct rigorous research on the economic returns of DSR and PTR across different agro-ecological zones, farm sizes, and irrigation conditions.

Keywords: rice; direct sowing; plant establishment; irrigation; water management; rural employment; Myanmar; Asia; South-eastern Asia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06-23
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/183444

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fpr:othbrf:183444

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Other briefs from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by ().