Arakan State farmers struggle to grow monsoon paddy

By Admin 20 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 May 2024, Sittwe

Local farmers in Arakan State are struggling to grow monsoon paddy as junta blockades have pushed prices up and made it difficult to buy fertiliser, fuel and other agricultural inputs.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out in November, making it difficult for farmers to buy the inputs needed to grow paddy.

“We can’t buy diesel, fertiliser and agricultural machinery. The prices have skyrocketed, and farmers can’t afford to grow their crops,” said a farmer from Mrauk-U.

A barrel of diesel sells for 1.8 million kyats and a sack of fertiliser sells for 250,000 to 300,000 kyats, while the prices of agricultural machinery have increased fourfold compared to the previous year.

Apart from increased costs, the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance is discouraging farmers from growing monsoon paddy. Meanwhile, many farmers are not living at home, after being displaced by the fighting.

“I am afraid only 10 percent of farmers will be able to grow monsoon paddy,” said farmer U Maung Kyaw Hlaing from Paya Paung Village in Kyauktaw Township.

Under the adverse conditions, farmers are hoping for government intervention to help them get their crops planted.

“Stocks are running out in our area. We want the Arakan State government to supply us with what we need so that we can grow paddy in time,” said farmer U Maung Sein Pe from Kyauktaw Township.

Arakan State has 1.2 million acres of farm available for paddy growing. Over 1 million acres were put under paddy cultivation last year. Agriculture is the main economic driver in Arakan State, providing livelihoods for more than 70 percent of the population.