Nutrient management in rainfed lowland rice farming systems of Myanmar

Abstract

This research was undertaken to determine the key factors affecting grain yields and profitability of rainfed (monsoon) lowland rice in a township area of the Ayeyarwady delta in the north of the Yangon Division, Myanmar. The production of monsoon rice provides the farming family's basic food supply as well as cash income. Higher domestic production of rice in conjunction with increased rice exports could also stimulate economic growth and poverty reduction at the national scale. In addition to quantifying the bio-physical aspects of the monsoon rice production systems in the study area, particularly the key issue of soil fertility management, this research also sought to document and analyse the perceptions of farmers about their farming and the socio-economic pressures they face. Such knowledge may help with the planning of agricultural and regional development programs by government, international aid donors, civil society and businesses.