In Myanmar, the rural sector plays a dominant role in the economy and agriculture, based on Myanmar's rich natural resources, and is a major potential growth engine in overall national development. An overview of the agricultural sector will highlight the potential for international technical assistance, assistance that will need a strong humanitarian focus.

There is a wide range of agro-climatic zones in Myanmar, ranging from an equatorial zone in the south, a densely populated humid zone at the Irrawaddy [Ayeyarwady] River delta, merging in the centre to an extensive “dry zone” that is surrounded by mountain ranges and a high plateau in the east. The agricultural sector (which includes crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry) involves 75 per cent of Myanmar's population of an estimated 51 million people; it accounts for 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and two-thirds of all employment. In contrast, industry contributes only ten per cent of GDP. Consequently, changes and reforms in the agricultural sector are of national importance. The agricultural sector will continue to have a dominant role in the development of Myanmar.

Overview of the Agricultural Sector

Myanmar has abundant land and low labour costs, which give the country a comparative advantage in a number of sub-sectors, such as crops, livestock, and fisheries. Of Myanmar's 68 million hectares of land-mass, almost 18 million hectares are classified for agricultural production, and just 60 per cent of that is currently exploited. Forestry accounts for 50 per cent of the land area. Under the constitution of Myanmar, all land ownership rests with the state. Farmers have security of tenure, which is inheritable, but land rights cannot be sold or transferred. The most recent census (1993) indicates that 80 per cent of holdings are below 2 hectares and only 3 per cent are bigger than 8 hectares. In 1991, to encourage industrial agriculture, the government gave thirty-year leases of large blocks (2000 hectares each) to companies and individual investors.