Agriculture

Agriculture

The Gulf of Mottama is rich in sediment follows from four major rivers and potential to grow different types of crops. The majority of coastal communities rely on agriculture products, especially rice and green gram as the main varieties to grown seasonally.

The Gulf of Mottama is rich in sediment that has flown from four major rivers and has the potential to grow different types of crops. The majority of coastal communities rely on agriculture products, especially rice and green gram, as the main varieties to grow seasonally.

However, the Gulf of Mottama is a flat plain area, and it has been extensively dominated by monsoon floods, saltwater intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion. Insufficient water supply is another problem for the farmers to grow summer paddy in some areas and has contributed to heavy losses. Additional problems related to farmers are lack of access to good-quality seed, agricultural techniques, and financial support. These burdens lead to low crop production and unsustainable agriculture.

With the support of the Gulf of Mottama Project, the local farmers are able to access quality seed and other supplies, including farming techniques, inputs, and market access, to support their livelihoods. Coastal Farmer Development Assocations (CFDAs) were formed in Mon State and Bago Region with representation from local farmers from different townships and villages.

 

KYE HIGHLIGHTS

The coastal farmer experiences great losses and damages every year due to multiple moonsoon floods, river bank erosion, and the spread of insects. The insufficient water supply during the dry season increased their burden to grow summary paddy. In order to improve the condition of local farmers, the Coastal Farmer Development Association (CFDA) was formed with the representation of local farmers along the coastal area in Mon State and Bago Region. It works as a coordination body among the farmers to support their needs for agriculture inputs, market linkages, and farming techniques in consultation with multistakeholders, including the Gulf of Mottama Project, government institutions, and the private sector.

Photo © Min Nyan Seik - CFDA observed seed production plot at Zawe Kalar Village, Bilin Township, Mon State.

 

Additional Resources

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