A rewarding 2006 for IRRC in Myanmar

Myanmar—The year 2006 may have seemed to have gone by quickly as the Irrigated Rice Research Consortium (IRRC) and its local collaborators eagerly promoted the use of sustainable, benefit-enhancing technologies to further boost rice production of smallholder farmers growing rice in the lowland regions.

The frenzy of activities kicked off in late January, with IRRC agricultural economist Arelene Malabayabas pretesting a baseline survey questionnaire and conducting a workshop on Socioeconomic Survey: Application to IRRI-Myanmar Collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) associate scientist Zenaida Huelgas. In March and April, the trained Myanma Agriculture Service (MAS) staff served as field staff, who, guided by Malabayabas, conducted a series of household surveys. These surveys provided the baseline information for follow-up surveys in 2008. Together, these two surveys will enable the IRRC to measure the impact of its technologies on farmers’ livelihoods over a 2.5-year period.

IRRC researcher Arelene Malabayabas (back row, second from right) trains field and MAS staff on interviewing farmers at the Han Thar Aye private monastery in Theikklar Chaing village, Letpandan, West Bago. (IRRC photo)

In April, the IRRC Postproduction Work Group, led by Martin Gummert, integrated e-learning using computer packages in training on Postharvest management for improved quality of rice grain and seed at the Central Agricultural Research and Training Center in Hlegu, Yangon. Participants shared computers and learned about the theories behind postharvest processes. In the following days, they trained on threshing, drying systems, storage, milling, grain and seed quality, and determination of quality traits using the IRRI grain quality kit.

A training on laser land leveling in rice production was also held in April in Nat Ta Lin, West Bago. This was a joint effort of the IRRC, MAS, and the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders’ Association (MRPTA). The Postproduction Work Group assists national partners such as MRPTA and local agricultural machinery manufacturers in producing commercially viable drying systems, and also collects baseline and yearly data on rice markets. The group is now focused on evaluating hermetic storage systems with farmers and rice millers/traders.

Trainees learn how to set up a low-cost dryer during a postharvest training activity in April. (Photo by G. Claessens)

In late May and early June, soil scientist Marianne Samson of the IRRC Productivity and Sustainability Work Group trained extension staff in Kyaiklatt, Ayeyarwaddy, and in Letpandan and Pyay, West Bago, on the modified mat nursery. This nursery approach is simple for farmers to use and provides healthier seedlings for transplanting. She also provided training on site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) and the modified mat nursery to regional officers and staff of the MAS Land Use and Extension Division. SSNM is an approach that enables farmers to maximize the efficient use of fertilizers when growing their rice crop.

Nutrient omission plot trials, a tool of SSNM, are being conducted in parts of Myanmar to develop locally adapted recommendations for effective use of a limited supply of fertilizer. These recommendations are being evaluated in 13 locations in West Bago, Ayeyarwaddy, Sagaing, and Yangon, with plans to expand to 29 sites this year.

Training courses on integrated weed management in rice were held in March and October, attended by 48 participants from MAS and the private sector. Weed scientist Joel Janiya of the IRRC Labor Productivity Work Group discussed topics such as rice crop establishment methods, introduction to weed management, weed control methods, and yield loss assessment. Participants gained hands-on experience in weed sampling, weed identification, herbarium preparation, sprayer calibration, and herbicide calculation.

Participants from MAS classify weeds in a training course on integrated weed management. There are plans to conduct another training course this year. (Photo by J. Janiya)

The IRRC Water-Saving Work Group established demonstration sites of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and aerobic rice technologies in Ayeyarwaddy, West Bago, Sagaing, and Mandalay. AWD can lead to a reduction in water use by 25% while still maintaining yields. After a year, areas with scarce water resources such as central and upper Myanmar showed high potential in adopting AWD and aerobic rice varieties.

Clearly, the Myanmar leadership is totally committed to developing more in-country activities. Happily playing a supporting role, all four IRRC work groups are working harmoniously, with plans to develop demonstration sites showcasing a combination of technologies. The private sector, through the MRPTA, is also on board, and new farmer associations are being established at the state and division levels. These activities are being coordinated at the national level by the IRRC Myanmar Outreach Program (IMOP). This program is led by U Hla Myo, general manager, Extension Division, MAS, and U Than Aye, general manager, Project Planning Management and Evaluation Division, MAS.

The year finished with an excellent meeting of all four work groups and the coordinating group led by U Than Aye (MAS) and Dr. Grant Singleton (IRRI), in December at MAS headquarters in Yangon. Five scientists from IRRI in the Philippines, 10 scientists from MAS, state and division managers of MAS, and township managers participated in these fruitful discussions. Progress of all the work groups was reviewed and activities for 2007 were discussed.

With the flurry of activities in 2006, let’s hope Myanmar and IRRC collaborators have saved enough energy for an even busier and more rewarding 2007.

Trina Mendoza (t.mendoza@cgiar.org)

Country Outreach Programs archive