Agriculture

While estimates may vary, the sector contributes 43% to GDP and employs 70% of the working population, according to the World Bank. Almost everything can be grown in Myanmar, from tropical fruits and vegetables to rice and pulses. It is sometimes said to have the most fertile soil in Asia. The country is known for its rice, teak and mangoes, but it also produces rubber, oil seeds, cotton, corn, chillies and pulses, with a total of 60 crops grown. If the country manages to avoid the pitfalls of agriculture that have challenged other countries in the region and works to best practices, success will build on success and a healthy agricultural market will be restored. This chapter contains an interview with U Ye Min Aung, Secretary General, Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) and Managing Director, Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO).