Combine harvester service providers in Myanmar: Insights from the 2025 monsoon season

Ian Masias, May Thet Htar, Theingi Oo and Hiroyuki Takeshima

No 130, Project notes from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Abstract: This note presents results from a January–February 2026 phone survey of 325 combine harvester service provider (CHSPs), offering insights into the 2025 monsoon season. Key Findings Acres harvested declined by 11 percent (7 percent in the Dry Zone, 11 percent in the Delta), with 61 percent of CHSPs reporting lower demand, associated with poor rice price incentives in the Delta and movement restrictions in the Dry Zone. Nominal service charges fell by a median of 6 percent, concentrated in the Delta where fuel costs declined, while Dry Zone charges remained flat reflecting limited fuel savings and a restricted operating environment. Most CHSPs (91 percent) extended credit to farmers without interest, and 74 percent provided more financial assistance than the previous year, highlighting their role as an important source of informal credit. Cash flow problems affected 26 percent of CHSPs, driven by declining revenues and rising costs that may be understated in real terms given Myanmar's persistently high inflation, with many coping by borrowing, selling assets, or drawing on other income. Emerging fuel supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict pose a significant risk to the 2026 monsoon season, potentially limiting CHSP operations at a time when farmers may also face fertilizer shortages, threatening agricultural production. Recommended Actions De-risk credit for mechanization services by expanding farmers' access to affordable formal credit or introducing partial guarantee schemes. Improve mobility and security for CHSP operations through greater transparency and reductions of checkpoints, fewer required permissions, and safer roads. Support training and retention of machine operators to address shortages driven by outmigration and insecurity.

Keywords: combine harvesters; monsoon climate; wet season; services; development aid; farmers; Myanmar; Asia; South-eastern Asia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-04-24
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