Trial project to introduce new rice varieties in Arakan State deemed a success 

By Admin 28 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
28 June 2023, Sittwe

A project by a rice seed nursery association to test out new varieties of rice seeds in Arakan State has proved successful so far.

With the aim of facilitating the development of the agricultural industry, and enabling local farmers to grow high-yield rice seeds, the Dannaywaddy seed nursery association launched a project in 2019 to test the suitability for Arakan State of rice seed varieties including Paw Hsan Yin, India Che, Thai Hnan Kauk, and GW 11.

“Local farmers in Arakan State have only grown the varieties that they have traditionally grown, so they receive less profits. We want them to grow new varieties that we have tried. Only then can they receive greater profits,” said secretary U Maung Thein Lwin of the Danyawaddy seed nursery association.

The varieties being tested produce higher yields than the traditionally grown varieties and also need less fertiliser, according to the association.

“I have over 2,400 acres,” said U Hla Maung Thein from Pauktawpyin Village in Mrauk-U Township. “I have grown new varieties over the past three years. They suit the region, and it is very convenient.”

Over 100 farmers from Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Pauktaw and Myebon townships have been growing seeds from the Danyawaddy seed nursery association on a trial basis.

The yield of traditionally grown varieties is between 50 and 60 baskets per acre while the new varieties yield over 100 baskets per acre.

U Zaw Myo Chit from Thayet Tabin Village in Kyauktaw Township said: “The disadvantage is that only Mrauk-U Township alone is producing rice seeds of new varieties. We can’t buy as much as we want. We hope that those rice seeds can be produced in every township.”

The Danyawaddy seed nursery association says it can’t expand production due to financial constraints. Currently, there are over 1.2 million acres of farm available for growing paddy in Arakan State. The agricultural industry in Arakan State is, however, declining due to various factors including high input costs and lack of access to modern growing methods.