Myanmar plans soybean output rise in Ayeyawady, Bago

Myanmar’s agricultural authorities plan to expand soybean cultivation across six townships spanning Ayeyawady Region, Bago Region, and Shan State as part of initiatives funded through the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Research outlined dual objectives during a workshop held at Nawarat Hall in Zeyathiri Township, targeting both enhanced crop rotation systems integrating soybeans with rice farming and the establishment of processing infrastructure to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in cooking oil and animal feed ingredients.

Department leadership emphasized establishing public-private partnerships to accelerate the development of superior seed varieties, expand multiplication programs, and deliver technical training to growers. Field trials will commence following rice harvests, with participating farmers receiving guidance on cultivation techniques and irrigation practices. Research will additionally examine soybean meal applications within livestock operations.

Representatives from regional agriculture departments attended the planning session alongside ministry officials, while counterparts from Shan State participated remotely.