Unploughed acreage likely to rise in 2020 as Arakan conflict keeps farmers from fields

By Myo Thiri Kyaw 06 Aug 2020

Myo Thiri Kyaw|DMG
6 August, Sittwe

Total acreage of unploughed fields in Arakan State this year is expected to exceed the 2019 figure due to ongoing fighting in the state’s north, according to U Kyaw Zan, chair of the Arakan State Farmers’ Union.

Last year, more than 50,000 acres of farmland in seven Arakan State townships were reportedly left unploughed. This year, there are around 40,000 acres of unploughed farmland in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships alone.

“The collection of lists of unploughed farmlands in all townships faces hindrances,” U Kyaw Zan explained.

“There are deployments of soldiers in those regions. Due to the security conditions and possible threats, we are unable to go to the said areas. We face difficulty collecting detailed information,” U Kyaw Zan added.

The number of people displaced by the war in Arakan State has reached about 200,000. Among the internally displaced people (IDPs) are farmers.

They reported greater difficulty working the fields this year compared with 2019, when a more localised conflict dynamic allowed a larger number of farmers to cultivate. This year, elevated security risks exist across a wider expanse, they say.

U Zaw Min Naing from Kyauktan village in Rathedaung Township said: “Last year, farmers were in a position to do ploughing to a certain degree. … Now they have to take shelter at the IDP camps and bank on donations.”

Farmers in Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Ann townships reported facing difficulty farming in 2019.