Myanmar wants to be the world’s biggest rice exporter again

Myanmar has decided to develop its rice production, following its neighbors steps. The government hopes to export 2 million tons of rice in 2013, and 3 million tons in 2015.
From 778,000 tons in 2011, the volumes available for export could double this year, according to estimates by the USDA.

According to the head of crop research at International Rice Research Institute, Myanmar has a perfect environment for growing rice in many areas, untapped potentials that could quickly make it a leading exporter.

The country was one of the world’s leading rice producers before the military coup. It is now taking example on Thailand to promote production by buying rice from producers 10% above world prices. An agriculture development bank has been established two months ago, on an Indonesian model, to provide credit to small producers.

The Burmese consume 210 kilograms of rice per year per person, representing 11.5 to 12 million tons. Production is expected to be 13.5 million tons this year, according to the national association of rice farmers, leaving 1.5 to 2 million tons for exports.

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