Natural fertilizer gains popularity among farmers in Arakan State

By Admin 17 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 January 2026, Kyauktaw

Some entrepreneurs in Arakan State, where trade routes remain blocked, are experimenting with locally produced goods, with natural fertilizer gaining increased use among farmers.

Local farmers are reportedly using more natural fertilizer than in previous years, according to producers.

The RAG Natural Fertilizer Factory began trial production and sales in 2024, and use of its products increased during the 2025 rainy season, the factory owner said.

U Ye Tun Myint, owner of the RAG Natural Fertilizer Factory, told DMG that demand for natural fertiliser has risen significantly.

"This year, more people are using natural fertilizers than in previous years. Farmers in Thazin Village say they are satisfied with natural fertilizers and no longer use chemical fertilizers. Natural fertilizers also produce good yields. Based on our observations this year, crops grown with natural fertilizer have yielded well. Farmers said they will continue using natural fertilizers in the next rainy season," he said.

He added that farmers in Taungpauk Village, who used natural fertilizer last year, continued to do so this year after achieving good harvests.

Previously, fertilizer was sold only in 45-kilogram bags, but 3-kilogram packages were later introduced to make the product more accessible to small-scale farmers.

"A 3-kilogram bag of natural fertiliser sells for about K10,000 in shops, but the direct price here is around K7,000. A 45-kilogram bag was sold for about K100,000 in previous years, but this year it is being sold for around K90,000," said U Ye Tun Myint.

Natural fertilizer is mainly distributed in Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun townships, with efforts underway to expand sales to Mrauk-U and Minbya townships.

Local residents said increased consumption of locally produced goods has helped strengthen Arakan State's economy.

U Ye Tun Myint has also urged the United League of Arakan to issue business licences to support more small-scale industries and enable access to external markets.

Despite good agricultural yields in Arakan State, farmers are gradually reducing cultivated land due to limited market access, locals said.