Cost and Return Analysis of Domestic and Export-Oriented Rice Varieties during the Monsoon and Summer Seasons in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar

Abstract

Rice is essential to the livelihoods of farmers in Myanmar. Rice producers experience varying benefits depending on their techniques and rice varieties. While summer rice yields are generally higher than those of monsoon rice, only a limited number of farmers cultivate summer rice. This paper aims to analyze the costs and returns associated with rice production among selected farmers, focusing on domestic and export-marketed rice varieties in Nay Pyi Taw. Data was collected in June 2024 through face-to-face questionnaires employing a purposive sampling method. Descriptive and cost and return analyses were used to achieve the research objectives. Of the 180 selected rice farmers, all grew in monsoon rice, but only 68 grew summer rice. During the monsoon season, all selected farmers grew ten domestic-marketed rice varieties (DMM) and seven export-marketed rice varieties (EMM) were grown. The 68 summer rice farmers grew four domestic marketed rice varieties (DMS) and five export-marketed rice varieties (EMS). The selected farmers allocated the largest share of average production to marketed surplus in both seasons. According to the benefit-cost ratios, the highest return was from EMS (2.24), followed by EMM (2.15), DMS (2.08) and DMM (1.99). Farmers growing EMS reported higher profits than those growing other varieties.  Therefore, farmers are encouraged to expand summer rice cultivation. The public sector should support this increase by ensuring a sufficient supply of irrigation water, agricultural infrastructure and equipment. By enhancing summer rice cultivation, overall rice production can increase facilitate trade for both domestic consumption and the export market, and boost foreign income.