Project of Fact Finding Survey for
Poverty Reduction andSustainable Agricultural
Development in Myanmar
Project Report

March 2017

Japan Association for International
Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry

JAICAF
Japan Association for International Collaborationof Agriculture and Forestry
Akasaka KSA Bldg 3F, 8-10-39, Akasaka,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, JAPAN
Tel: 81-3-5772-7880
ISBN: 978-4-908563-16-4 print
ISBN: 978-4-908563-17-1 pdf

Foreword

Japan Association for International Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry, JAICAF,
implemented this project with financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries of Japan aiming at prevention of post-harvest loss of rice in Myanmar.
One of the most important staple crop for Myanmar is rice, which occupies more than half of
farmland area. Myanmar government is said to aim at increase of export and quality improvementof rice.
Based on this background, we have been dispatching experts to Myanmar since Fiscal Year 2014 inorder to cooperate for the sustainable development of rice production and post-harvest processing.
For the past two years, we have been actively working on the improvement of post-harvest
handling of rice mainly in Naypyidaw area. This year, as well as to continue our activities in
Naypyidaw, we decided to disseminate our project achievement to other regions such as
Ayeyarwady region. This report describes the activities and results of the project in FY 2016. We
hope that this report will be useful to other rice projects in Myanmar.

The project would not have succeeded without support and advice of the dispatched experts andmember of Evaluation and Review Committee. Also we would like to express our gratitude to
Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar for their generous support toprovision of important information, arrangement of field visit and escort of experts. We also
appreciated JICA Myanmar Office, JICA’s project on Development of Participatory Multiplication
and Distribution System for Quality Rice Seeds and Embassy of Japan for their cooperation.
Finally, please note that this report was prepared by JAICAF and does not necessarily represent theposition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan or the Japanese
Government.

March, 2017

Dr. Ryuzo NISHIMAKI
President,
Japan Association for International
Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry.

Photo 1 Drying on a ridges

Photo 2 Drying on a road

Photo 3 The member provided guidance at a rice mill

Photo 4 Visiting a seed farmer

Photo 5 Large rice mills in PatheinPhoto 6 The results of moisture meter are recorded in two rice mills in Tatkon and Lewe

Photo 7: Seminars held in Nay Pyi Taw and PatheinTable of Contents
Chapter 1. Project Outline................................................................................................................. 1
1. Purpose of the Project ............................................................................................................... 1
2. Project Content ......................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2. Fact-finding Survey on Agricultural Production and Farm Management ........................ 5
1. Dispatched Members................................................................................................................. 5
2. Survey Details ........................................................................................................................... 5
3. Survey Schedule........................................................................................................................ 5
4. Survey Results .......................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 3. Technical guidance for the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainableagriculture ....................................................................................................................................... 20
1. Dispatched experts and assigned area ..................................................................................... 20
2. Operation content .................................................................................................................... 20
Chapter 4. General Overview.......................................................................................................... 24
1. A summary of previous guidance content ............................................................................... 24
Annex.............................................................................................................................................. 26
Annex 1: Survey results of rice mills .......................................................................................... 28
Annex 2: Results of farmer surveys ............................................................................................ 31
Annex 3. Activity report for rice cultivation and farm management ........................................... 34
Annex 4. Workshop Presentation ................................................................................................ 57
Annex 5. Extension Material ...................................................................................................... 66

Chapter 1. Project Outline
1. Purpose of the ProjectThis project aims to support the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainableagriculture in Myanmar by directly instructing farmers and agriculture-related people about
production, sales, and processing techniques of agricultural products by utilizing Japan's advanced
technology, experiences, and know-hows.
1) Outline of the 2016 Project
For the past two years, we investigated and provided technical guidance mainly in Naypyidaw.
The surveys of rice mills conducted in 2015 revealed that four rice mills out of 11 rice mills wevisited had a flatbed rice dryer. These rice mills using the flatbed rice dryer mentioned that the useof the dryer increases the number of cracked gains. It was because the wind temperature was set to
60℃, which was too high. We suggested setting to proper temperature at below 45℃. The surveys
also revealed that they did not know adequate frequencies of turning over to prevent uneven drying.
These results point out the importance of providing technical guidance as needed by reinvestigating
situations prior to actual operation. In addition, for other seven rice mills without a dryer, it isnecessary to have them understand the usefulness of dryer and the importance of drying process. In
Myanmar, the introduction of combine harvester is becoming widespread and the drying capacity
needs to be increased with an improvement in harvesting operation and efficiency. This calls for the
dissemination of dryers and technical guidance.
In 2016, we investigated the moisture content of paddy, grain temperature and the number ofdamaged grains, which have a profound effect on qualitative loss of rice. However, the farmers do
not have sufficient understanding on the importance of moisture control. Even though rice millers
know the significance of moisture control, the condition of paddy brought in to the rice millers
varies by farmers. Without proper moisture control of paddy by farmers, the rice millers must takethe risk of yellowed rice and mold, which lead to reduce the cost of paddy. In order to raise farmers’
incomes and reduce poverty, it is critical to raise farmers’ awareness of quality improvement, as
well as to show rice millers that farmers use same standards to control moisture. When rice millers
and farmers work together to improve quality, it becomes possible to realize market-oriented
agriculture production that also brings rice exports into view.
Even so, the data collected through surveys is limited to the periphery of Naypyidaw, and it isnecessary to verify whether the results can apply to all areas in Myanmar. Even in other areas, byactively sharing useful information, we can expect to see an improvement in post-harvest treatment
technique rice farmers across the country, which eventually contributes to increased incomes. In
this year, we continue to provide technical guidance in the Naypyidaw area and share pastachievements in the Ayeyarwady area with an aim to address the following items:
1

(1). We teach rice millers using a rice dryer how to use it properly to prevent quality loss. We
share case studies on rice mills that have introduced rice dryers to show how much quality
loss can be decreased by using the rice dryer. By presenting the usefulness of rice dryers torice millers who have not set up a rice dryer, we will promote awareness toward thedissemination of rice dryers.
(2). We mainly study how farmers carry out post-harvest operation of rice to teach how tomanage paddy properly. In particular, by sharing the moisture control standards with rice
millers, rice brokers and competent government agencies including extensions, we aim toraise the awareness of the importance of using same standards among farmers and rice
miller for moisture control of harvested hulls.
(3). Also in the Ayeyarwadi area, we conduct moisture studies to transfer survey technique todisseminate the outcomes obtained in three years from 2014.
Furthermore, this project is expected to bring about the following ripple effects:(1). Criteria for quality of rice as a product becomes clear, and specific goals can be set up at
the production and distribution stages.
(2). This project will contribute to the improvement of rice quality in the entire country.
2) Target Areas
The target areas for the 2016 project are Naypyidaw and the Ayeyarwadi, which is a major
rice-producing area. For the last two years in 2014 and 2015, we investigated and provided
technical guidance in Naypyidaw. For the 2016 project, we continue to follow up and complement
the previous outcomes in Naypyidaw as a target area for surveys and technical guidance. In
addition, by sharing the outcomes of the project in a major rice-producing area of Ayeyarwadi, we
aimed to increase the awareness of rice quality across the country.
2. Project Content
We conducted a survey to obtain the actual conditions of agricultural production and farmmanagement in target areas, especially post-harvest treatment situation of rice. We also
implemented a workshop where experts provide technical guidance on agriculture production to
local farmers and people involved in agriculture, guidance on improving distribution and sales, andfor disseminating techniques. Moreover, by introducing Japan’s technology, knowledge, andknow-hows, we aim to support the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainableagriculture in Myanmar.
1) Fact-finding Survey on Agricultural Production and Farm Management
We implemented a fact-finding survey on agricultural production and farm management
surrounding the target areas. According to the guidance content in the last two years, we surveyed2

the condition of rice harvest and storage, as well as the occurrence of weedy red rice, to selectspecific rice mills to provide guidance.
Dispatched members

Survey period

Survey content

Eiji MATSUBARA

1. Research of summer cropping rice harvest and(Technical Advisor ofstorage condition in the target district.

JAICAF)

29th May to 4th June

Mari TANAKA

2. Selection of target rice mills.
3. Follow-up for the 2014 and 2015 projects.

(Researcher of
JAICAF)
2) Technical guidance for the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable agriculture
The following experts are dispatched:
Assigned area

Dispatched expert

Dispatched

Technical guidance content

periodRice cultivation

Ryoichi IKEDA

and farm

5th to 14th

Prevention of the mixing of weedy

Septemberred rice.

thmanagement

20 to 29thNovember

Proper time for harvesting rice.
Workshop: Sharing the achievementof this three-year-project.

Agricultural

Iwao

machineries

MATSUMOTO

Same as above

Guidance to farmers on proper
management of paddy immediately
after harvesting.
Acquisition of rice quality data
(OJT)
Guidance on how to use a rice dryer
property.
Workshop: The importance ofmoisture control and the usefulnessof rice dryers.

MarketingMari TANAKA

Same as above

Guidance to rice millers mainly on
reinforced moisture control system.
Workshop: Gender analysis method
in agricultural extension.

Equipment utilized in this project
3

Type

Method used for guidance

Guidance content

Moisture meter

Used for measuring the moisture content of Acquisition and analysis of rice

(Oga Electric)

paddy and confirming performance ofquality data.

moisture meters used on site.
3) Guidance content(1) How to use a rice dryer and its usefulness (for rice millers)

Guidance on how to properly use a rice dryer for rice millers who are already using it.

Dissemination of the usefulness of rice dryers through economic comparison for rice
millers who have not introduced one.

(2) How to use a moisture meter and the importance of moisture control (for farmers)Guidance on numerical control using a moisture meter: Rice millers, brokers, farmers andextensions use a same moisture meter to control moisture by checking together.

(3) Verification and dissemination of survey results obtained in Naypyidaw


Verification of the results obtained in previous surveys to see if they apply to otherrice-producing areas.



By sharing useful information for other rice-producing areas, it will cause ripple effects
to rice-producing areas in Myanmar.

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Chapter 2. Fact‐finding Survey on Agricultural Production and Farm Management
1. Dispatched Members
Eiji MATSUBARA Technical Advisor of JAICAF
Mari TANAKA

Researcher of JAICAF

2. Survey Details
1)

Research of summer rice harvest and storage condition in the target district.

2)

Selection of target rice mills.

3)

Follow-up of the 2014 and 2015 project activities.

3. Survey Schedule
Date
1Sun, 29th May

Activity content

Place of stayDepart Narita and arrive in Yangon.

YangonTravel from Yangon to Naypyidaw.

Naypyidaw

Meeting with a director of the Promotion Section, the2thMon, 30 May

Department

ofAgriculture,

theMinistryof

Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI)
Preparation for surveying rice mills and farmers.
Meeting with Tatkon T/S
3

Tues, 31st May

Naypyidaw

Interview surveys at rice mills
Farmer surveys
Meeting with Pyinmanna T/S

4

Wed, 1st June

Naypyidaw

Interview surveys at rice mills
Farmer surveys
A courtesy visit to the mayor, Zee Phyu Pin

5Thu, 2nd June

An interview survey at Lewe T/S rice mill

Naypyidaw

Farmer surveys (two farmers)
Meeting with the post-harvest treatment division, Overnight
DAR.

6

rd

Fri, 3 JuneflightMeeting with the extension dept., DOA.
Depart Naypyidaw at 7:30 p.m. (PG772T) → Arrivein Bangkok at 10:30 p.m.

7

Sat, 4th June

Depart Bangkok at 12:30 a.m. (NH808H) → Arrive
Narita at 8:40 a.m.

The next section provides the report of activities implemented by the dispatched members.

54. Survey Results
1) Field survey results
In this survey, the dispatched members visited the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI) listed in Table 1.1. to provide an overview of this survey andrequested their cooperation. In addition, with the support of the Extension Section., the Departmentof Agriculture, MoALI (DOA), they interviewed rice millers and farmers in three townships (T/S)
in the Mandalay area based on a survey slip. The results of survey at each place visited are as
follows:
Table 1: Relevant authorities visited and field survey target areas
Relevant authorities visited

Field survey target areas

The Extension Section, the Department of Agriculture, theTatkon T/S, Mandalay area

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI)

Pyinmana T/S, Mandalay area

(Naypyidaw)

Lewe T/S, Mandalay area

Tatkon T/S OfficePyinmanna T/S Office
Post-harvest Section, Department of Agriculture Research(DAR) MOALI Research Agency
Survey in the Tatkon T/S district
DOA Tatkon T/S
We met with a director, Shit Swe Oo, at the DOA Tatkon T/S office. The following is the content
of discussion.
JAICAF: We explained about the purpose of survey.
T/S: Many rice mills at Tatkon T/S purchase paddy from farmers through brokers. Some farmers
bring paddy directly to rice mills. Since brokers collect paddy from their village, they have a good
grasp of the situation of farmers. For the interviews of farmers in this survey, we suppose brokers
know about drying method, storage method and where they buy paddy from. Rice mills hire
brokers from villagers. Rice mills prepay funds for purchasing paddy, and brokers purchase paddy
during harvest by checking the price trend. When brokers purchase from farmers, they check thecondition of paddy and if the moisture content is high, they do not buy it and ask them to dry again
until the next time they visit. Brokers know farmers’ abilities and the condition of land and soil, as
well as how to distinguish good and poor paddy from their experiences.
JAICAF: Although we thought the rice mills ask the farmers to control moisture numerically, we
found out that it was more realistic to think the rice mills ask the farmers through brokers. Because
moisture measurement requires training, it would be efficient to offer training for brokers at ricemills where they purchase paddy from farmers.

6

T/S: T/S can gather brokers to offer training. They will cooperate at that time.
JAICAF: Moisture control varies by harvest method. We think the use of combine harvesters
becomes popular in the future. What is the use situation of combine harvesters at Tatkon? Also,
what is the implementation situation of field maintenance for the mechanization of farming?
T/S: Farmers increasingly use combine. While the cost of manual harvesting is 70,000 kyat/ acre(ac), the cost using combine harvesters is half at 35,000 kyat/ ac. The flat land of Tatkon allows
combine harvesters to go into 50% of farmland. The rate of field maintenance is one of the worst,
which is around 0.02% of the farmland area.
JAICAF: When using combine harvesters, do they carry paddy after harvesting directly to ricemills?
T/S: After harvesting with combine harvester and husking, they pack in bags and dry the rice inside
the field or on the premises of their home prior to storing in a storage. Farmers sell the rice tobrokers when the price becomes desirable. In Tatkon, most farmers own storage.
Rice mills in Tatkon
As guided by the staff at the DOA Tatkon T/S, we visited Aung Mingalar Rice Mill and met withthe owner, Mr. Hla Win Aung. We interviewed him according to a survey slip. As a result, we foundout that this rice miller is highly motivated and is considering making active investments with anaim of improving rice quality to the international standards and expanding the scale.
Since the rice mills purchase paddy through brokers, only brokers know the circumstance of
farmers. Brokers are from the village where they purchase paddy and have a full grasp of thecircumstance of farmers and the field situation of each year. We assume it is possible to address the
improvement of rice quality at producers through brokers. For that reason, we decided to gather the
DOA Tatkon T/S, rice millers and related brokers to offer training of moisture measurement. We
also decided to identify a model for broker and a village where the broker purchases to test
numerical moisture control. For the testing, because we heard that it would be desirable to conduct
testing at the end of September when rice harvest begins during the rainy season (October toNovember), we planned on doing training during that season. We request the DOA (DOA Tatkon
T/S, etc.) for the follow-up of testing (moisture measurement).
The following is the main content of interviews.
We have a dryer that we use as needed. The capacity is 200 baskets/day. We introduced in 2008
and used for eight years. There are two milling machines and the capacity of the Myanmar-made(introduced in 2000) is 8 tons/day and the Chinese-made is 18 tons/day. They preferably use theChinese-made one and use the Myanmar-made one when the volume is higher. The color sorter(introduced in 2015) is owned by his younger brother. They share tasks between brothers. Younger
brother oversees sorting and packaging. The capacity of color sorter is 50 tons/day. They have astorage in different location and its size is 80 sq. feet.
Since 2015 was the year of drought, they did not sell any paddy. During the dry season, theynormally sell from 20,000 acres. During the rainy season, they sell paddy from 40,000 acres. By

7

types, Manawthukha and Sinthukha account for 75%, Ayeyarmin accounts for 15%, and Palethwe
accounts for 10%. Last year, they accepted 500 baskets/day for eight months, meaning 120,000
baskets annually (only rice during the rainy season). The shipment range is normally 15 miles to 20
miles and 25 miles for the furthest. When the rainfall is less, they can sell in the neighborhood,which is the range of 10 miles to 15 miles. However, in the case of a shortage of paddy, they must
expand the range of purchase. We assume the number of farmers who sell paddy is from 200
farmers to 300 farmers.
The purchase price of paddy is 5,500 to 6,500 kyat/basket of Manawthukha, and 9,000 to 10,000
kyat/basket of Ayeyarmin depending on grades. The categories of high grade, medium grade andlow grade range in price of about 500 kyat/basket. The indicators of determining the quality of
paddy are moisture content, different rice type, weedy red rice, stones, impurities and insects in thatorder. They also check to see if the rice was harvested during an appropriate season. Total purchaseamount of paddy is about 5 million kyats to 10 million kyats. They also offer commissioned ricepolishing and 25% of the cubic capacity is taken by the factory. They entrust brokers to purchasepaddy. Brokers can appraise rice quality by the color, length and thickness of paddy. Since brokers
sell rice purchased from farmers to rice mills, they must be liable for the quality and the appraisal
results must be trustable. They cannot work as a broker if they cannot appraise rice quality.
Rice mills sell polished rice to wholesalers and do not sell at stores. Two brothers also work as awholesale agent and sell to other wholesalers. They sell it to anyone as long as they purchase at adesirable price. Two years ago, exporters came to purchase Palethwe. The exporters did not comethis year. The selling price of polished price is 24,500 kyat/bag (1 bag ＝ 1.5 basket) of
Manawthukha without color sorting and 24,500 kyat/bag (1 bag＝1.5 basket) for color sorted rice.
In Ayeyarmin, the price is 33,000 to 40,000 kyat/bag and 22,000 kyat/bag of Palethwe (The price islower for Palethwe since they do not use color sorter.)
The milling yield of polished rice is about 50% (the capacity is calculated. The rice went through acolor sorter.) The priorities of quality judgment for polished rice are transparency and the color of
the germ (to see if it has any color) in that order. When the rice is clear, it is hard, suggesting there
are less cracked rice and high milling yield. This type of rice has less weedy red rice and different
rice type with same-size grains. Because excellent rice is apparent at the stage of fields, brokers
check fields and report to a rice miller. Total sold amount of polished rice is their share, which isabout 10 million kyats. Brothers also take some shares, which are unknown.
Most difficult challenges are capital and technique. Although they want to increase the quality ofpolished rice to international standard, they know they need a Japanese-made machine. However,they do not have enough capital. With changing rice price, the price of machine is certainly notcheap in consideration of incomes.
They want to expand the scale in the future. Also, they want to form a group with other excellent
farmers. By making a shift to high-priced rice, they want to expand the scale and do everything
they could to improve quality. The current goal is to increase the quality to the standards of ASEAN
at the least.

8

Photo 2.1: Meeting at DOA Tatkon

Photo 2.2: An interview survey with

Photo 2.3: A group photo of the

T/S office. The director is at the left

a rice miller in Tatkon. The owner is

Tatkon survey. The fourth and fifth

rear.

the third person from the right.

persons from the left are partner
farmers.

Besides, the DOA asked two partner farmers of the rice mill to come to the rice mill. We
interviewed the farmers about farm management situation based on a survey slip. They are a
medium-scale farmer with 10 acres of owned land and a small-scale farmer with 4 acres of owned
land. They both use the entire area as rice paddies and grow beans during dry season. They
currently sell 3 million kyats to 5 million kyats of agricultural and livestock products. They want tosecure the income of 5 million kyats or more in the future. For farming equipment, they own apower tiller, irrigation pump and sprayer, and ask acquaintances who own power threshers forthreshing. Drying method is the sun. For the future, they want to engage in protected horticulture.
However, the problem is a water shortage during dry season (a shortage of water in the dam.)
The survey results of the rice mill are provided in Annex 1 and the survey results of farmers areprovided in Annex 2.
Survey in the Pyinmanna district
DOA Pyinmana Township (T/S) Office
We visited DOA Pyinmana T/S office and met with a director, Mr. Hlaing Wunna, to explain
about the content of this survey. The director contacted Zee Phyu Pin village to arrange a meetingwith rice millers to support as the Pyinmana T/S.
Rice mills in Zee Pyu Pin
We interviewed a rice miller in Zee Pyu Pin. This rice miller offers rice polishing for the village
and is positioned as a small-scale rice mill. The rice mill only has one milling machine and mainly
polishes rice for self-consumption within the village.
The following is the content of the interview:
The area of owned farmland is 50 acres and uses 20 acres during the rainy season and 30 acres
during the dry season.
They do not have a dryer and only has a milling machine (daily capacity is 200 baskets), which

9was replaced 14 years ago. The rice mill was established by their grandfather 38 years ago. As forfarming equipment for rice cultivation, the rice miller recently purchased a tractor and has an old
power tiller. There is one storage with the capacity of 2,000 baskets to 2,500 baskets of paddy,
which was built when it started its operation.
The rice mill mainly offers commissioned rice polishing for self-consumption. The shipment
volume of paddy is 7,500 baskets of Manawthukha during the rainy season and 5,000 baskets ofThaigaut during the dry season (an early-maturing variety, which was described 90 days in the pastreport), as well as 3,000 baskets of Palethwe.
The shipment range is from 4 miles to 5 miles. The number of farmers purchased from are about
70 farmers. The purchase price of paddy is 4,000 to 7,500 kyat/basket for Manawthukha, 4,500 to
7,000 kyat/ basket for Palethwe and 5,000 to 7,000 kyat/ basket for Thaigaut. The categories ofquality for high grade, medium grade and low grade have 1,000 kyat/basket or more of pricedifference among grades. For the quality judgment of paddy, they attach weight on whether the rice
has any stones and other impurities, as well as moisture content. While the rice miller pays
attention to the moisture content of paddy brought in immediately after harvest, they do not pay
attention afterwards. Since farmers do not store for that long, no insects were confirmed. Totalpurchase price of paddy is about 5 million kyats to 10 million kyats.
The volume of polished rice sales is 4,000 bags for Manawthukha, 2,000 bags for Thaigaut and1,500 bags for Palethwe. The method of selling is bagged rice and they sell to a wholesaler in
Pyinmanna. Although we heard that wholesalers export at times (especially Thaigaut), this rice
miller does not export rice. The price of polished rice is 17,000 to 24,000 kyat/bag for
Manawthukha, 18,000 to 23,000 kyat/bag for Thaigaut and 16,000 to 22,000 kyat/bag for Palethwe.
The quality judgment of polished rice is based on cracked rice, yellowed rice, and weedy red rice inthat order. However, not much yellowed rice is mixed in. The sales price of polished rice is about athousand to two thousand kyats (sells 300 bags daily.)
The rice miller’s management problem is low milling yield and a difficulty in making muchprofits. There are other problems mentioned by the rice miller. However, since they have electricity,
they do not pay for fuels and have no debt related to the rice mill. They sometimes cannot collect a
receivable. Since the rice miller also sells beans (black gram, etc.), they use it to pay back a loan for
tractor.
The milling yield (calculated capacity) is below 50% in average. They consider 45% or more as agood milling yield and currently have about 38% (6 pyi/ 16 pyi =1 basket). For the future, theywant to expand to the size that meet the village’s demand to satisfy self-consumption of polishedrice for the village. They cannot think of decreasing the scale. It would be difficult to come together
as a collective with excellent farmers due to the circumstance of farmers. From the experience, they
can only make small profits by working collectively. After dividing, their profits decrease further,suggesting that individual management is more ideal. In addition, when working collectively,
members’ efforts vary from member to member. This generates a sense of unfairness if the profits
are divided uniformly. For the future, they wish to improve the quality and sell rice by putting thename of rice mill (Phyi Aung Soe) on a bag. They have not thought about exporting, but wish to10

reduce losses and introduce new equipment and technology.
For farming policies, they require the maintenance of infrastructures, particularly the
maintenance of farm roads. Since there is no farm road, they cannot grow rice during the dry season.
They maintain fields using their own method one acre at a time. This village is not included in thefield improvement (303 acre) implemented by IFAD. Although they are not interested in groupbuying, they want to realize all of the contents listed in a survey slip. They particularly wish tolearn a new post-harvest treatment technique, and make the entire village more convenient.
Combine harvesters are increasingly used in the village, and nearly 50% harvest using combine
harvester by renting it from AMD. For the dry season cultivation, July is the month for harvest.
This rice miller mainly polishes rice for self-consumption within the village and falls under oneof over 15,000 small-scale village rice millers located across the country. Unlike a large-scale riceproducing region in the delta area, Pyinmanna will have a rice mill equipped with a new type ofmodern facilities to expand the shipment range, which drives small rice millers to discontinue.
However, even when they can maintain their business, there is a small possibility of expanding
sales channels to increase the volume of sales. Even with improved quality, its effect is limited.
Because this survey aims to improve rice quality at the production and treatment phase, this ricemill is not appropriate as a target model.
For this rice mill, we invited three partner farmers to interview about their farm management.
They are a small-scale farmer who owns 6 acres of farmland (4 acres of rice paddies and 11 acresof fields) and a medium-scale farmer who owns 19 acres (18 acres of rice paddies and one acre offields), and a medium-scale farmer who owns 21 acres (10 acres of rice paddies and 11 acres offields.) Due to its geography situated near mountains, all farmers own fields for growing beans andoil cake crops besides rice paddies. Both of the medium-scale farmers own a tractor and irrigation
pump. The small-scale farmer only has a sprayer. The figures on annual sales are 700,000 kyats fora small-scale farmer, and 20 million kyats and 60 million kyats for medium-scale farmers. All threefarmers entrust others to harvest rice using a combine harvester. After drying in the sun, they keep
paddy in a storage and polish rice at the rice mill for sales and self-consumption. For the future,they wish to switch to modern farming. The small-scale farmer wishes to make one million kyats ormore and the medium-scale farmers wish to make three million kyats or more as an income.
While the small-scale farmer wishes for agriculture policies that lead to raising incomes andliving standards, the medium-scale farmers have a strong desire for better seeds and the supply of
low-interest loan. In Naypyidaw, lectures and training sessions are held by the Myanmar RiceFederation (MRF) and the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO). Some farmers
from this village also participated and said they gained useful information. Although no rice millerin this area is a member of MRF, MRF plans on promoting unified production, treatment and sales
and suggests contract cultivation for farmers. Farmers take an inactive stance toward contract
cultivation due to previous forceful planned cultivation and contribution system.

11

Photo 2.4:

Photo 2.5: A group photo taken

Photo 2.6: A courtesy visit to the

A milling machinewith rice millers of Zee Pyu Pin.

mayor.

(Myanmar-made) of a

The third and fourth persons

rice miller in Zee Pyu

from the right are farmers, andPin.

the fifth person is the owner ofrice mill.

Survey in the Lewe T/S district
In the pilot field maintenance district implemented by JICA, we met with a director of DOA
Lewe T/S office. After explaining the content of this survey, we moved to a rice mill (Yadana RiceMill) in Lewe T/S and interviewed an owner Ms. Phyu Shein based on a survey slip. This rice
miller is highly motivated in making management improvements and provided help to this survey.
We decided to experiment numerical moisture control. This rice miller purchases 50% of paddy
from brokers and 30% on their own, suggesting their familiarity with farmers’ situations. As with
Tatkon, we gathered DOA Lewe T/S. rice millers and brokers in late September to provide training
for measuring moisture content of rice to identify model brokers and farmers to plan numericalmoisture control testing. We decided to request subordinates of Ms. May Zer Myint from DOD
headquarters for the follow-up of testing (moisture measurement.)
The following is the main content of interview.
Since the rice miller does not have a dryer, they lay a plastic sheet in a drying space on thepremises to dry rice. They do not even have a color sorter. They have a milling machine (introduced
in 2013) and its capacity is 700 baskets per day. The previous machine was purchased in 1988.
They have a storage facility for paddy with the scale of 30×60 feet, which was built 21 years ago in
1955.
As for the purchase method of paddy, 50% is from brokers, 30% from their own, and 20% forcommissioned rice polishing. The purchase prices of paddy for the rainy season cultivation are
3,000 baskets for Manawthukha, 1,000 baskets for Pawsan, 500 baskets for Yadanathu, and 500

12baskets for Palethwe (5,000 baskets in total). For the dry season cultivation, the prices are 2,000
baskets for Thaigaut and 1,000 baskets for Yadanathu (3,000 baskets in total.) Normally, theshipment range is 18 miles to 25 miles. The number of farmers they purchase from are 100 farmers
to 200 farmers. The purchase prices for paddy are 4,400 kyats/basket, 4,000 kyats/basket, and 3,500
kyat/ basket for the high grade, medium grade and low grades of Manawthukha respectively, and3,300 kyat/ basket, 3,000 kyat/ basket and 2,500 kyat/ basket for Palethwe and Yadanathu. For
Pawsan, 6,500 kyat/ basket, 6,000 kyat/ basket and 5,800 kyat/ basket. For Thaigaut, 5,500 kyat/
basket, 5,300 kyat/ basket and 5,000 kyat/ basket. For Yadanathu, 5,300 kyat/ basket, 5,000 kyat/
basket and 4,800 kyat/ basket. The indicators of determining the quality of paddy are moisture
content, different types of rice, discoloration rice, stones and impurities in that order. No insects
were observed. They accept rice with higher moisture content because they dry on their own. Totalpurchase price of paddy is about 50 million kyats to 100 million kyats.
When the milling yield of polished rice is about 45% as a preferred result. While a hundredbaskets of paddy generate 30 bags (45 baskets) of white rice, it is normally about 28 bags to 29
bags. They sell polished rice to wholesalers (90%). They also sell directly at a shop. They do notexport their rice. Other rice polishing companies come to purchase white rice to fill a deficit. The
rice mill also sells rice to a producer of mohinga (rice noodles). Selling prices of polished rice are
25,000 kyat/bag, 24,000 kyat/bag and 22,000 kyat/bag for Manawthukha respectively for the highgrade, medium grade and low grade, 22,000 kyat/bag, 21,000 kyat/bag, and 20,000 kyat/bag(during the dry season, 20,500 kyat/bag, 20,000 kyat/bag, and 19,500 kyat/bag) for Yadanathu,
30,000 kyat/bag, 29,000 kyat/bag, and 27,000 kyat/bag for Pawsan, 20,500 kyat/bag, 20,000
kyat/bag, and 19,000 kyat/bag for Thaigaut. The priorities of judging the quality of polished rice are
weedy red rice, yellowed rice (90%) and the rate of cracked rice. Because rice with high moisture
content cannot be polished, the rice is dried in the sun on their own prior to polishing. Total sales
figures of polished rice are about 50 million kyats to 100 million kyats.
Since the price of polished rice changes, we cannot say the price is low. They have no choice but
to buy paddy brought in by regular partner farmers even when the quality is poor. Although notmuch paddy has an inclusion of weedy red rice, they do not reject the rice with weedy red rice, but
buy at lower price. Not much yellowed rice is also observed. They have a shortage of labor at times.
They make some profits and do not have to pay hefty amount of repair costs for equipment. Whilethe interest of loan is not high, after they finish harvesting from December to February, they receivea temporary loan to purchase paddy from farmers. Because the period of loan is a year, they pay
back by polishing rice. For this reason, they always have a debt to pay back. After February,
farmers store paddy and sell when the price goes up.
They wish to expand the scale in the future. There are rice mills that supply good quality white
rice, and they want to reach the same level. They visited a rice mill known for good quality of riceand saw their facilities. Because they want to produce high quality rice and sell at high price, theywant to introduce a color sorter. However, they are not interested in working with coalition withexcellent farmers. Due to a difference in opinions among individuals, they cannot easily agree withmaking capital instruments. They are thinking about selling rice in a bag with the name of rice millto create a brand. By introducing new equipment and technology, they wish to improve quality and13reduce losses.
For agriculture policies, it would be helpful for rice millers to implement a project that
contributes to the improvement of farm management and cultivation technique for farmers so that
farmers produce good quality rice. For rice millers, they expect to see an advancement in the grants
for introducing equipment, export promotion measures and the introduction of new post-harvest
treatment technology. They also shared their opinion to request support for equipment maintenanceand new technology.
After interview surveys, we explained the model of moisture control for this survey to rice millers
and proposed measuring the moisture content of paddy using moisture meter to this rice miller andbrokers or farmers to conduct testing of transaction based on the data. The rice miller readily agreed
to cooperate the testing. For that reason, as with Tatkon, we gathered DOA Lewe T/S, rice millers,
brokers or partner farmers to provide training on how to use a moisture meter around the end of
September and identified a model broker or farmer to conduct testing.
As for the milling yield of polished rice, since they calculate based on cubic capacity in
Myanmar, the weight calculation differs from normal method. For rice polishing, the volume
weight differs by types, level of rice polishing and washing. While the international trading uses
weight, there would be a problem to use the measurement of capacity that changes weight.
Myanmar has set out to make changes to the SI System; International System of Units. The 2014
survey results indicated that the following simple values were suggested for paddy and polishedrice (JAICAF 2015).
One basket of paddy = 22 kg
One lone of polished rice = 250 g
One pyi = 8 lone = 2 kg
In addition, the result of surveying polished rice at a rice polishing factory showed that when theunit has a larger capacity, the filling rate is believed to be lower. We suggested the following simple
corresponding values for polished rice:
One basket = 16 pyi = 31 kg
One bag = 1.5 basket = 24 pyi = 46 kg
One pyi of grains = 8 lone = 2.05 kg
One pyi of rice bran = 8 lone = 0.97 kg
The milling yield of national statistics is set to about 50%. However, the national statistics haveweak evidence because the capacity calculation is common. (JAICAF 2015)14

Photo 2.7: Drying space at Lewe T/SPhoto 2.8: Interview survey at Lewe

Photo 2.9: Retail sales of rice

rice mill. A sheet is rolled up to keep

Rice Mill.

polisher and rice millers in Lewe.

rice from rain because there was a

The large basket is one pyi andchance or rain.

small can (condensed milk can) is
one lone.

We invited two partner farmers to this rice mill to ask about their farm management situation.
Both are small-scale farmers with an owned land of 3.5 acres and 6 acres for rice paddies. During
the dry season, they grow beans and oil cake crops. For farming equipment, they use a plow forplowing by cow and sprayer. The farmer with six acres of land has a power tiller and irrigation
pump. Sales figures of agricultural products is 250,000 kyats and six million kyats (they grow rice,beans and oil cake crops each year). For rice harvest, they both entrust others to harvest rice using
combine harvester. The farmer with 3.5 acres of land sells rice as-is without drying. The farmer
with six acres of land store paddy after drying in the sun and polish at rice mill for sales andself-consumption. For the future, they wish to expand the farmland and obtain three million kyats
or more of agricultural incomes.
Meeting with MOALI
Meeting at the DAR Post-Harvest Section
We visited the DAR Post-Harvest Section and reported a director, Dr. Tin Ohnmar Win (Ms.), about
the content of this year’s project and rice mills and farmers we interviewed this time. We asked her
for advice. Dr. Tin Ohnmar Win oversaw the survey by JAICAF for the last two years andtransferred to the current job a half year ago.
The following is main content of meeting.
The delta region (three areas of Ayeyarwady, Bagoo and Yangon), which is major rice production
area, has a high level of farming technology after receiving various types of farming training by ahost of NGO came in after the major disaster, Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Rice mills have dryers. Withan advancement in the development of new type dryers, there are flatbed rice dryers sold at 2,000
USD, which have a processing ability of 50 baskets of paddy per day. Although this dryer requires
15human power to stir rice to avoid uneven moisture content, it helps reduce time and labor comparedto drying in the sun. Solar bubble dryer developed with IRRI costs lower at 1,100 USD.
Even though the farmers in the central dry area understand the importance of moisture control,
they do not have enough capital. Many Japanese corporations come to this area. Three months ago,
Kett Electric Laboratory visited and surveyed using a moisture meter. If a moisture meter is about
80 USD, we assume farmers want to buy it.
In terms of sharing a dryer, there are failed cases and successful cases in the past. Althoughdryers were introduced in several villages in the Gya Pin Kauk T/S, located in the west of Bagoo,
farmers in one village stopped using a dryer immediately and it broke down. It required work andlabor costs to carry paddy to a dryer location and to bring back polished rice to home. Anotherfactor is that no one managed it responsibly because it was for a shared use. On the other hand, in a
successful village, a dryer was donated to a rice mill. It was successful because the rice mill was
responsible to manage the dryer.
From 2011 to 2012, we conducted surveys in three areas in the delta. In most cases, brokers
determine the purchase price of rice, suggesting brokers are more involved in determining pricethan rice mills. We believe that farmers have more negotiation power if they control quality
numerically using a moisture meter.
For rice mills for survey, we recommended including Min Set San (Pyinmana T/S) beside Aung
Mingalar (Tatkon T/S). It would be better to select at least two rice mills respectively forcomparison of mills with or without dryers.
It would be a good idea to provide training targeting middle-scale farmers (about 10 acres) andbrokers. Awareness raising is important for fair purchasing. Not only for rice mills and brokers, itwould be better to train key farmers and rent moisture meters. If key farmers become able to makefull use of moisture meters and make achievements, moisture meters will disseminate among otherfarmers.
Meeting at DOA
We met with a deputy director, Mr. Htin Aung Shein, and a director, Mr. Thura Soe at the room
for the director of the Department of Agricultural Extension to report the survey results for thisproject and talked about the procedure of M/M (Minutes of Meeting).
2) Measures for improving farmers’ incomes
The survey results suggest the following problems of rice quality among farmers according to therice purchased from farmers by rice millers.


Mixing of impurities other than rice.

Mixing of different types of rice such as weedy red rice.

Changes of rice quality due to mold and yellowed rice.

Damages caused by grain-storage insects in stored rice.



Un-attainment of proper time for harvesting rice due to a shortage of labor16

Mixing of impurities other than rice is caused during harvesting, drying and thrashing. Many
farmers use a thrashing machine after harvesting rice. They mostly thrash rice by beating rice plants
with a tool after drying in the sun, which are piled on a waterproof sheet. This causes stones andimpurities to mix in, causing low quality after polishing rice, failed milling machine andreplacement of parts. To reduce the mixing of impurities at a farmer level, they can make
improvements by changing from drying in the fields, ridges and roads to drying in other areas notcontacting a ground such as using rice plant racks, and the use of power thrasher, as well as thehandling method of paddy after thrashing. However, with the current situation where the quality of
paddy is not reflected on the farm price sufficiently, it is extremely difficult to improve traditional
method that has established with low labor and at low cost.
For the prevention of weedy red rice, although the upgrade of seeds is effective, the production
cost increases when they are used each time. It requires removing variants carefully by weeding,this will also increase labor costs.
Molds and yellowed rice are caused by insufficient drying of paddy. Particularly for dry season
rice, it rains often during a harvesting period, causing insufficient drying. Because farmers cannot
rely on only drying in the sun to dry sufficiently, they need to introduce dryers and pay for fuel. In
addition, farmers check the dryness of rice based on their experiences such as by biting, touching,breaking and listening, actual figures remain unknown.
For the storage or rice, storing paddy at regular temperature is effective for preserving quality
again mold and insects. However, the current situation is that they cannot use their cash to storageas much as they want because they need cash. Additionally, compared to the storage of brown rice,
the capacity is larger by nearly 30%. The storage for rice is a building made of wood and bamboo.
Unless rice is stored for a long period, they can reduce the damage from grain-storage insects bystoring paddy.
For proper time for harvesting rice, it is most effective to introduce a combine harvester (CH).
CH causes less quantitative losses than harvesting by hands. Today, due to a decline in theworkforce and increased wages, commissioned harvesting using CH is about the same or more
economical than harvesting by hands. However, with a small absolute number of CH without
unmaintained roads and fields, rice paddies that CH can enter are limited. Also for CH, 25% ofmoisture is left in harvested rice ears and 30% of moisture is left at the base, requiring quick dryingof paddy (JAICAF 2015).
Using the measures above, to increase the quality of rice at the farmer level, additional costs are
required except for the storage of rice. For that reason, it will be effective to assume the
combination of most effective measures through cost analysis. By comparing increases in costs andsales price due to quality improvement, farmers can determine the possibility of introducing
technology.
Rice mills list determining factors of purchase price from farmers as (1) type, (2) categories of
new and old rice, (3) dryness, (4) inclusion of weedy red rice, (5) inclusion of yellowed rice, (6)ripening level (premature or over-mature), and (7) the length and shape of rice grain. Since rice is
not categorized into grades based on objective indicators, they rely on experiences when it comes todeciding prices. For farmers and rice millers to gain profits by improving the quality of rice, the17best way is to group or organize farmers and rice millers with middle-scale rice miller with capitalstrength at the core with the aims of producing and processing under clarified transaction
conditions.
3) Policies of this survey
In this survey, we visited target DOA offices in three T/S and rice millers to ask about their
management. In addition, farmers that sell paddy to rice millers were invited to the rice mill tointerview their farm management situation.
As a result, the rice mills purchase paddy mainly from brokers, and they do not often buy paddy
for rice polishing for sale directly from farmers. When the rice millers make a direct contact with
farmers, it is mainly the case when farmers bring in paddy to do commissioned rice polishing. On
the other hand, since the brokers who deliver paddy for sale are responsible for the quality of paddy,
which has a direct effect on the quality of white rice, they observe rice plants in the fields at various
stages of development and report to rice millers. They discuss together and select farmers to buy
from. Because brokers who receive advance payment from rice millers to purchase paddy take risks,
they have a high level of judging the quality of paddy. In addition, brokers are from the village theybuy from and fully know the management situation of farmers. The purchase price set by rice millsvary by types and seasons. Using the middle grade quality as a base, there re difference in the raceof ±4 to 25% top and bottom (±5 to 10% for major type). (Table 4.1)
Table 2: Purchase price of paddy by grades by rice mills

TownshipTatkonPyinmanna

Le WayVarieties
Manawthukha
Ayeyarmin
Manawthukha
PaletweThaigaut
Manawthukha
PaletweYadanato(Rainy season
PawsanThaigaut

High grade
M iddle grade
Low grade（M M K/ basket ） （M M K/ basket ） （M M K/ basket ）6,500
10,000
7,500
7,000
7,000
4,400
3,300
3,300
6,500
5,500

6,000
9,500
6,000
5,800
6,000
4,000
3,000
3,000
6,000
5,300

5,500
9,000
4,500
4,500
5,000
3,500
2,500
2,500
5,800
5,000

Source: Survey teamAs described above, compared to farmers carry out numerical moisture control, it would be ideal
for brokers to measure moisture content on the spot at the time of purchasing paddy, and if the
moisture content is larger, they ask the farmers to choose between drying the paddy till next visit or
selling low-quality paddy on the spot by low price. Compared to a number of farmers carry out
numerical control individually, it is more efficient for brokers to serve as a representative to18

measure moisture content. For this reason, after discussion of DOA and rice millers, we decided to
set a model for numerical moisture control as from rice millers, brokers to farmers. Since thenumber of moisture meters provided by JAICAF is limited, of three areas we visited, the testing
would be conducted in two townships of Tatkon T/S and Lewe T/S except for Pyinmanna T/S,
which is mainly does commissioned rice polishing by farmers at small-scale rice mill in the village.
In addition, the commissioned harvesting work using combine harvester is becoming popular inrecent years. With farmers’ moisture control by drying in the sun, drying becomes effective using adryer at rice mill. When farmers sell paddy harvested using CH under commission directly to ricemills, rice mills are responsible to carry out moisture control. The price of purchasing from farmers
follows common practice.
If farmers store paddy harvested using CH and carry out numerical moisture control on their own,
it becomes possible to sell to brokers at advantageous prices. However, if the farmers do not intend
to sell and carry out numerical moisture control to maintain the quality of self-consumption rice, it
leaves a room of examination whether to obtain benefits that meet the purchase cost of moisture
meter.

19

Chapter 3. Technical guidance for the reduction of poverty and the promotion ofsustainable agriculture

1. Dispatched experts and assigned area
Ryoichi IKEDA (Technical Advisor of JAICAF): Rice cultivation and farm management
Iwao MATSUMOTO (Technical Advisor of JAICAF): Agricultural machineries
Mari TANAKA (Researcher of JAICAF): Marketing
2. Operation content
1) Guidance objectives(1) We teach rice millers using a rice dryer how to use it properly to prevent quality loss. We
share case studies on rice mills that have introduced rice dryers to show how much quality
loss can be decreased by using the rice dryer. By presenting the usefulness of rice dryers torice millers who have not set up a rice dryer, we will promote awareness toward thedissemination of rice dryers.
(2) We mainly study how farmers carry out post-harvest operation of rice to teach how tomanage rice hulls properly. Particularly, by sharing the moisture control standards with rice
millers, rice brokers and competent government agencies including extensions, we aim toraise the awareness of the importance of using same standards among farmers and rice
miller for moisture control of harvested hulls.
(3) Also in the Ayeyarwadi area, we conduct moisture studies to transfer survey technique todisseminate the outcomes obtained in two years from 2014.
2) Guidance content(1) How to use a rice dryer and its usefulness (for rice millers)

Guidance on how to properly use a rice dryer for rice millers who are already using it.

Dissemination of the usefulness of rice dryers through economic comparison for rice
millers who have not introduced one.

(2) How to use a moisture meter and the importance of moisture control (for farmers)Guidance on numerical control using a moisture meter: Rice millers, brokers, farmers andextensions use a same moisture meter to control moisture by checking together.

(3) Verification and dissemination of survey results obtained in Naypyidaw


Verification of the results obtained in previous surveys to see if they apply to otherrice-producing areas.



By sharing useful information for other rice-producing areas, it will cause ripple effects
to rice-producing areas in Myanmar.

3) Adjustment of guidance method20

According to local survey conducted in advance at a specific rice mill, training for moisture
meter was provided to T/S extension staff, rice millers, brokers and farmers who requested under
the attendance of DOA staff. Although the plan was to lend moisture meters to rice millers andbrokers, when we discussed with DOA staff during technical guidance, they requested that T/Sextension staff manage moisture meter and go around brokers and farmers to provide training. With
this, the guidance for moisture meter at rice mill is provided to rice millers and T/S extension staff
to encourage them to provide guidance to brokers and farmers. In addition, when brokers and key
farmers participated in a second seminar during the second visit for guidance, the three parties ofrice miller, broker and farmers share the same consciousness for moisture control
In addition, we took effort to sustain the previous outcomes by providing guidance repeatedly
regarding the problem of weedy red rice and insects, which we provide for the last two years.
4) Dispatch period(1) First
DatethActivity content

1Mon, 5 September

Depart Narita → Arrive Yangon

2

Tues, 6th September

Travel from Yangon→ Naypyidaw.
Meeting with the director of the Department of Agricultural
Extension, MOALI (DOA), etc.
Preparation for visiting rice millers and farmers.

3

Wed, 7th September

Visit a rice mill in Tatkon T/S.
(Guidance on moisture control and ask for cooperation inquality data collection)

4

Thu, 8th September

Visit a rice mill in Lewe T/S.
(Guidance on moisture control and ask for cooperation inquality data collection)

5

Fri, 9th September

Report at DOA.
Request cooperation to the workshop held in November.

6Sat, 10th September

Travel Naypyidaw→ Yangon

7Sun, 11th September

Travel Yangon→ Ayeyarwady (Pathein)

8

Mon, 12th September

Visit rice mills in Pathein (two locations)9

Tues, 13th September

Visit a rice mill in Myaung Mya T/S (one location)
Depart Yangon

10Wed, 14th September

Arrive Narita(2) SecondDate
1Sun, 20th November

Activity content
Depart Narita → Arrive Yangon

21

Travel to Naypyidaw.
2Mon, 21st November

Meeting for a workshop at the Department of Agricultural
Extension, MOALI.
Visit a rice mill in Lewe.

3

Tues, 22nd November

Visit a rice mill in Tatkon.

4Wed, 23rd November

Workshop in Naypyidaw.

5Thu, 24th November

Travel to Yangon.

6Fri, 25th November

7

Sat, 26th Novemberth8Sun, 27 November

9Mon, 28th November

10Tues, 29th November

Travel to Pathein.
Workshop in Pathein.
Conduct a survey and provide guidance at a seed production
farmer.
Travel to Yangon.
Activity report at the Japanese Embassy.
Depart Yangon.
Arrive Narita

See Annex 3 for the detailed activities.
5) Guidance results(1) How to use a rice dryer and its usefulness (for rice millers)Experts were dispatched to two rice mills selected at the preliminary survey in the Naypyidaw
area in September and November. In the rice mill, the importance of moisture control andover-drying becomes the cause of cracked grain. Since the rice mill prioritizes on shortening thetime for drying operation, we pointed out that directly sending high-temperature hot wind causes
cracked grains and the odor and attached tar due to shell burning of paddy, diminishing the qualityof rice. In addition, because making the moisture content at a certain level at the time of shipment
helps shorten the drying time and reduces uneven dryness, we taught the importance of
implementing moisture content measurement using a moisture meter at the time of shipment. We
shared the content of previous surveys in the Naypyidaw area when we visited a rice mill in the
Ayeyarwady region.
(2) How to use a moisture meter and the importance of moisture control (for farmers)
As for the moisture control of rice, although we provided guidance in the last two years, we
invited farmers, brokers and T/S extensions mainly in rice mill especially in this year.
At the preliminary local survey, we provided training at a specific rice mill under the attendanceof DOA staff, and invited T/S extensions, rice millers, brokers and farmers who requested to teachhow to use a moisture meter. Although the plan was to lend moisture meters to rice millers andbrokers, after a discussion with DOA staff at the time of visiting for technical guidance, theywanted T/S extensions to manage the moisture meters and go around farmers with brokers to22

provide guidance. We taught rice millers and T/S extensions on how to use moisture meters at ricemill and asked them to teach brokers and farmers. In addition, brokers and key farmers took part in
the seminar held during the second visit for guidance. In this way, three parties of rice millers,
brokers and farmers shared a consciousness toward moisture control.
(3) Verification of survey results obtained in Naypyidaw and its dissemination
In Naypyidaw and Ayeyarwady, we held a workshop aimed at sharing the outcomes in the past
three years.
Workshop held in the Naypyidaw area
Location: Herbal Garden, MOALI, Naypyidaw
Date: 23rd November, 2016
Number of participants: 24 (5 women, 18 men and 1 person who did not answer)
Participants: DOA staff, T/S extensions, rice millers, farmers, brokers and others.
Workshop held in the Ayeyarwady area
Location: DOA, Ayeyarwady Division Office, Pathein, Ayeyarwady
Date: 26th November, 2016
Number of participants: 33 (7 women, 25 men and 1 person who did not answer)
Participants: DOA staff, T/S extensions, rice millers, farmers, brokers, the Myanmar Rice Millers
Association, business owners, staff from the Ministry of Commerce, and others.
At the workshops, the following three presentations were given to share information concerning
post-harvest efforts with a question and answer session. (Annex 4)*Summary of the findings from “Project of Fact Finding Survey for Poverty Reduction andSustainable Agricultural Development in Myanmar” (Sharing the outcomes for the past three years)*How to Prevent Post-Harvest Loss by Controlling Moisture (Prevention of post-harvest loss bymoisture control)*Gender Analysis and Agricultural Extension
In addition, as teaching materials for dissemination, we created an A4-sized, two-sided laminatedcard, which was designed to carry around in fields, to provide a summary of post-harvest treatment
and pest control. We distributed at the workshop. (Annex 5)

23

Chapter 4. General Overview
1. A summary of previous guidance content
In 2014 and 2015, we carried out projects with the main theme of post-harvest treatment of ricein the Naypyidaw area. For the 2016 project, we focused on moisture control to provide technicalguidance and conduct a survey. In addition, with the aim of sharing previous outcomes of technicalguidance with other areas, we implemented a workshop in two locations of Naypyidaw and Pathein,
Ayeyarwady. The following provides a summary of techniques taught in the last three years.
Skill: Removal of weedy red rice
Target: Farmers
Activity: We lectured the structure of how weedy red rice occurs. To prevent weedy red rice, we
instructed the necessity of updating seeds at least once every three years and removing variantsfrom fields.
Outcome: Although they were aware of the problem of weedy red rice, they did not know thestructure of occurrence and effective measures. It was a good opportunity to mention these points.
Remaining challenge: Although the update of seeds is effective preventive method, the production
costs increase due to the cost of seeds. The removal of weedy red rice must be addressed by a unitof settlement, requiring building a cooperation system within the community. The production of
excellent seeds is essential.
Skill: Seed pretreatment technique (raising seedling)
Target: Farmers
Activity: To uniform seedling raising, we taught the importance of using better paddy. We
introduced the seed selection with salt solution for rice plant seeds. If the seed selection with salt
solution is not possible, we taught using seed selection with water.
Outcome: Improvements in germination rate, uniform germination rate and increased seedling
quality can be expected. With uniform germination and initial growth, farmers can obtainconsistent seedlings.
Skill: Proper time for harvesting rice
Target: Farmers
Activity: We provided guidance on proper time for harvesting rice. (The ideal timing is about 85%
to 90% instead of waiting the entire ears of paddy turn ripe color. It is better to harvest a few days
earlier than now.)
Outcome: The farmers understood the importance of proper time for harvesting rice and began
proper time for harvesting rice within a possible range.
Remaining challenge: One of the causes of not being able to harvest at the appropriate time is a
shortage of combine harvester. It is not easy to secure workforce for harvest, and even though theyknow the appropriate timing, they cannot harvest at the appropriate time in many cases.
Skill: Moisture control
Target: Farmers, DOA staff, T/S extensions, rice millers and brokers.

24

Activity: To prevent the loss of quality such as yellowed rice and mold, we taught the importanceof moisture control. By teaching the standards of safe moisture content, we explained about how
to use a moisture meter and effective use of dryers. In addition, we lectured moisture absorption
from the environment and equilibrium moisture content.
Outcome: Although they used to measure moisture by assuming the moisture contain of grainsusing senses, they understood the importance of using a moisture meter to control numerically.
Three parties of farmers, rice millers and brokers share the same consciousness toward moisturecontrol.
Remaining challenge: Financial assistance for purchasing dryers and moisture meters. Incentives
such as an increase in purchase price when proper moisture control is implemented.
Skill: Proper use of dryers.
Target: Rice mill
Activity: We taught how to use dryers properly. We set up a net for removing foreign substances
inside a grain charging hopper, replacement and repair of wire mesh, adjustment of duct location,and introduction of color sorter and the improvement of rice polishing process.
Outcome: Rice millers became able to prevent cracked grains, select cracked grains, remove
foreign substances and remove weedy red rice and yellowed rice.
Skill: Survey of grain-storage insects and insect pest control
Target: Farmers, DOA staff, DAR staff and rice millers
Activity: While investigating the occurrence situation of insect pest during storage, they taught
how to investigate. They taught a survey method of grain-storage insects, how to use pheromone
trap and adhesive trap, consideration of directionality of grain-storage insect studies, cooperation
for developing research plans, and how to distinguish insect pests.
Outcome: The participants understood how to investigate grain-storage insects and the importanceof insect pest control. They also understood the existence of insect pests in grain storage, whichleads to quality loss of rice.
Skill: Quality analysis technique
Target: DOA staff
Activity: We provided a lecture and training on analysis technique to evaluate quality. The quality
evaluation items include moisture content and whiteness, as well as a mix rate of damaged grains,
cracked grains, yellowed rice, colored rice (including weedy red rice), cracked grains in rice bran.
By conducting the measurement of grain temperature and current values, we created a ricepolishing control chart to understand the condition of polished rice. We handed out English
manual indicating how to judge the condition of polished rice.
Outcome: DOA staff who participated in the training understood the overview of quality
evaluation. The training nurtured staff who could measure several quality evaluation items on theirown such as moisture control measurement.

25

ANNEX26

27

Annex 1: Survey results of rice mills
No

Q1

Q2

Q3

Question

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

Date

May 31, 2016

June 1, 2016

June 2, 2016

Township nameTatkonPyinmana

Lewe

Village nameMyamaddy quarter

Zee Phyu Pin

No3quater

Rice mill name

Aung Mingalar Rice Mill

Phyo Aung Soe

Yadana Rice Mill

Owner name

Mr. U Hla Win Aung

Ms. Soe Soe Khaing

Ms. Daw Phyu Phyu Shein

GenderMale

FemaleFemaleEmployee

Male seasonal workers: 900

Regular male workers: 300

Regular male workers: 330

person-day

person-day

person-day

Male seasonal workers: 280

Male seasonal workers: 270

person-day

person-day

Farmland area

Owns 50 acres

owned and planted(Rainy season: 20 acres)area in the last year

(Dry season: 30 acres)

Facilities andDryer: 1, Milling machine

Milling machine: 1, Storage

Milling machine: 1, Storage

equipment owned

2, Color sorter: 1, Storage

facility: 1

facility: 1

120,000 baskets

15,500 baskets

26,666 baskets

Within 40 km radius

Within 10 km radius

Within 40 km radius

200 to 300 farmers

Below 100 farmers (70100 to 200 farmers

facility: 1
Q4

Shipment volumeof paddy in the last
year.

Q5

Shipment range of
paddy

Q6

Number of farmers
purchasing paddy

farmers)from
Q7

7,166 kyat/baskets

5,833 kyat/baskets

4,372 kyat/baskets

Judgment method- Moisture content- Mix of foreign substances.

- Mix of discolored paddy,of paddy- Mix of variant paddy and- Moisture content (for new

variant paddy and foreignforeign substances

rice only. For old rice, they

substances.

- The amount of insect pest.

do not concern about- Whether the harvest

moisture content.)

Average unit
purchase price of
paddy

Q8

timing is appropriate.
Q9

Purchase amount of

5,000,000 to 10,000,000

50,000,000 to 100,000,000

50,000,000 to 100,000,000

paddy in the last

kyats

kyats

kyats

120,000 baskets

11,250 baskets

3,600 baskets

year
Q10

Sales volume ofpolished rice in28the last year
Q11

Average unit sales

19,166 kyat/basket

13,333 kyat/basket

13,608 kyat/basket

Judgment method- Transparency.

- The amount of cracked- Mixing of different typesof polished rice

- Discoloration (blackrice.

of rice and yellowed rice.

germs are unacceptable.)- The mixing of yellowed

price for polished
rice
Q12

rice.
Q13

Sales price of

10,000,000 kyats

polished rice in the

10,000,000~20,000,000

50,000,000~100,000,000

kyats

kyats

past year.
Q14

Management

The dissemination of new- Low polished rice price, -- Low polished rice price, -problemtechnology and capital for

Low quality of paddy

Low quality of paddy

introducing new- Low quality of polished- Low quality of polishedtechnology.

rice

rice

High amount of weedy red- Mixing of weedy red ricerice.

- A shortage of labor during- A shortage of labor during

busy season

busy season.

- High transportation cost

- High transportation cost.

during rainy season- Cannot reduce debts.

Q15

The direction of- Scale expansion- Scale expansion- Scale expansion

management in the- Building a community- Improving the quality of- Improving the quality of

futurewith excellent farmers topolished rice for local

polished rice.

increase financial power.

farmers.

- Branding- Transition to high-priced- Branding- Introduction of new

rice.

- Reduction of losses

equipment and- Selling rice at higher priceduring rice polishing.

technologies.

by improving the quality.

- Introduction of new- Branding

equipment and- Reduction of losses

technologies.

during rice polishing.
- Introduction of new
equipment andtechnologies.
Q16

Target income

10,000,000 kyats

2,000,000 kyats

As much as possible

Q17

Farming policies- Maintenance of- Maintenance of- Low-interest loan.

for the futureirrigations, farm roads,

irrigations, farm roads,- Subsidies for introducing

fields, and distribution

fields, and distribution

fertilizers and farming

processing facilities.

processing facilities.

equipment.

- Low-interest loan.

- Low-interest loan.

- Promotion of exports of29

- Clarification of safety- Clarification of safety

farm produce.

standards and quality

standards and quality- Dissemination ofstandards.

standards.

post-harvest treatment- Dissemination of- Dissemination oftechnology.

fee-based idea.

fee-based idea.

- The need for the support- Subsidies for introducing- Subsidies for introducing

for introducing equipment

fertilizers and farming

fertilizers and farming

and technologies

equipment.

equipment.

- Promotion of exports and- Promotion of exports andagricultural processing.

agricultural processing.

- Collaborative purchase of- Introduction of new

agriculture materials.

technologies- Introduction of newtechnologies
Q18

Opinion

They hope to reach

It is difficult for farmers to

To obtain good quality

international standards, or

implement something on apaddy, the dissemination ofat least the ASEAN level.

conjoint basis. Farmers’

good quality seeds andeffort varies and it is notcultivation technology.

easy to divide small profits.

30

U Soe Naing

Male

Householder name

Genderacres(Rainy season: 4 acres)last year

Q6

Owned rice paddies: 4

Farmland area owned

and planted area in the

Q5

Irrigation pump: 1,
Sprayer: 2

Irrigation pump: 1,

Sprayer: 2

Plow: 1, Farm tractor1,

Plow: 1, Farm tractor: 1,

Farming equipment

owned

31

(Dry season: 1 acre)

1, Sprayer: 2, Tractor: 1

Plow: 1, Irrigation pump:acres)(Rainy season: 1 acre)

Sprayer: 1(Rainy season: 11

acre(Rainy season: 2 acres)(Dry season: 2 acres)(Dry season: 10 acres)

1, Sprayer: 1, Tractor: 1

Plow: 1, Irrigation pump:(Dry season: 11 acres)

acres

Owned farm fields: 11(Dry season: 13 acres)
Owned farm fields: 1

acres

acres)(Rainy season: 10

acres

Owned rice paddies: 10

workers: 360 person-day

Female seasonal

180 person-day

Male seasonal workers:

2

Homemaking 1, Student:

Farming: 1,

Male: 0, Female: 0

Male: 3, Female: 1

Male

U Kyaw Myint

Zee Phyu Pin

Pyinmana

June 1, 2016

No 5

Owned farm fields: 2acres)(Rainy season: 4 acres)(Dry season: 4 acres)(Rainy season: 18

acres

Owned rice paddies: 18(Rainy season: 10

acres

Owned rice paddies: 490 person-day

acres)

acres

Owned rice paddies: 10

40 person-day

Male seasonal workers:

360 person-day

workers: 750 person-day

workers: 60 person-day

person-day

200 person-day＋
Male seasonal workers:

workers: 40 person-day

Female seasonal

Male seasonal workers: 1

Regular male workers:

Homemaking 3, Store: 2

Farming: 1,

Male: 1, Female: 1

Male: 4, Female: 5Male

U Khin Maung Tink

Zee Phyu Pin

Pyinmana

June 1, 2016

No 4

Female seasonal

15 person-day

300 person-day

Regular male workers:

1, Other: 2

Homemaking 2, Student:

Farming: 1,

Male: 1, Female: 0

Male: 4, Female: 2

Male

U Tin Ka

Zee Phyu Pin

Pyinmana

June 1, 2016

No 3

Female seasonal

Male seasonal workers:

farming:

Farming: , Other thanMale: 1, Female: 1

Male: 2, Female: 2

Male

U San Lwin Aung

Myamaddy quarter

TatkonMay 31, 2016

No 2

Regular male workers:

1, Teacher: 1, Retired 1

Agricultural workforce

Farming: 2, Food sales:

Household member age

15 or older

Q4

Q3

under age 15

Male: 0, Female: 0

Male: 2, Female: 3

Myamaddy quarter

Village nameHousehold member

TatkonTownship nameHousehold member

May 31, 2016

Date

Q2

No 1

Question

Q1

No

Annex 2: Results of farmer surveys

Plow: 2, Sprayer: 1(Dry season: 2 acres)

acres)(Rainy season: 3.5

acres

Owned rice paddies: 3.5

workers: 70 person-day

Female seasonal

30 person-day

Male seasonal workers:

200 person-day

Regular male workers:

1, Other: 1

Homemaking 1, Student:

Farming: 1,

Male: 0, Female: 1

Male: 3, Female: 2

Male

U Than Wai

Kyaungkone

Lewe

June 2, 2016

No 6

Sprayer: 1

Irrigation pump: 1,

Plow: 1, Farm tractor: 1,(Rainy season: 6 acres)

acres

Owned rice paddies: 6

workers: 900 person-day

Female seasonal

360 person-day

Male seasonal workers:

300 person-day

Regular male workers:

Homemaking 1

Farming: 1,

Male: 0, Female: 2

Male: 1, Female: 3Male

U Zaw Win

Kyaungkone

Lewe

June 2, 2016

No 7

Q16

Q15

Q14

Q13

Q12

- Small supplies.
- Drought- Water shortage- Small supplies.

- Drought- Water shortage

management problems- Low quality of seeds.

future.

- Low quality of seeds.

future. (relative)

management

Will continue in the

Agricultural

Will continue in theduring busy season.

- A shortage of labor

32- Expensive fertilizers.

- Low quality of seeds.

future.

Will continue in themain successor.

futureFuture agricultural

Son will continue as asmall.

children.

(son)

Their child will succeed.

storing paddy

polishing at rice miller,

fields, rice hulling anddrying in the sun in the

Combine harvester,

A successor for thetheir children are

Do not know because

miller, storing paddy

miller, storing paddy

because they have noand polishing at riceand polishing at rice

A relative will succeed

winnowing, rice hulling

winnowing, rice hullinga successor

power thrashing/wind

power thrashing/wind

Situation of farming byin the sun in the fields,in the sun in the fields,

Hand-harvesting, drying

Hand-harvesting, drying

Post-harvest treatmentof ricefarming.

modernization of- Looking forward to the

future.

Will continue in themain successor

Son will continue as a

farming.

already engaged in

Their child (son) is

rice miller, storing paddy

fields, rice polishing at

drying in the sun in the

Combine harvester,technologies.

farming and- The modernization of- Cheap farm produce.

future.

during busy season.

- A shortage of laborand pesticide costs.

- Expensive fertilizers

future.

Will continue in the

farmer.
Will continue in thecontinue as a main
farmer.

The successor willChild will succeed. (son)drying)immediately without

Combine harvester (sellcontinue as a main

The successor will

engaged in farming.

Their child is alreadysummer rice

paddy, no storage forstoring rainy-season

polishing at rice miller,

fields, rice hulling anddrying in the sun in the

Combine harvester,- Pest insects.

produce.

- Low quality of farm

- Cheap farm produce

future.

Will continue in the

farmer.

continue as a main

The successor will

engaged in farming

Their child is alreadystoring paddy

fields, wind winnowing,

drying in the sun in the

Combine harvester,

6,000,000 kyatsts for plowing

250,000 kyats

1,000,000~1,500,000kya

60,700,000 kyats

trust

20,000,000 kyats

drying/wind winnowing.

harvesting/thrashing,rice planting, weeding,plowing and puddling,

Accepted farm work on

700,000 kyats

drying/wind winnowing.

harvesting/thrashingweeding,

Raising seedlings,

Draft cattle: 2

Oil cake crops: 6 acres

Beans: 6 acres

Paddy rice: 6 acres

Q11

5,000,000 kyats or more

harvesting/thrashing,drying/wind winnowing.

Rice planting, weeding,plowing and puddling,plowing and puddling,

Beans: 1.5 acres

Paddy rice: 3.5 acres

Sales of farm produce

3,000,000 kyats or more

Poultry: 20
Raising seedlings,

harvesting/thrashing,

Rice planting, weeding,plowing and puddling,

Raising seedlings,

Draft cattle: 2, Swine: 4,

Beans: 21 acres

Beans: 18 acres
Oil cake crops: 18 acres

Grains: 11 acres

Paddy rice: 10 acres

Grains: 1 acre

Paddy rice: 18 acres

Q10

drying/wind winnowing.

weeding,(Regular and seasonal)

harvesting/thrashingharvesting/thrashing,planting,

in the past year

20
Raising seedlings,

50
Rice planting,Draft cattle: 3, Poultry:

Beans: 4 acres

Paddy rice: 4 acres

Swine: 2, Poultry: 40 to

Beans: 10 acres

Paddy rice: 10 acres

harvesting/thrashing

Raising seedlings, rice

Farming work entrusted

Q9

Goats: 60, Swine: 12

Beans: 4 acres

sales

Number of livestock

Paddy rice: 4 acres

Total cultivation area for

Q8

Q7

Q20

Q19

Q18

Q17

types.

types that match the

Elimination of water
shortage. (Not enoughwater in the Cindy Dam)

Financing and the

securement of water

resource.

loan.

OpinionLow-interest farming

5,000,000 kyats or more

Future agricultural

5,000,000 kyats or morepolicies

agricultural income

Future goal for- Transition to high yield- Transition to high yield

climate.

and fruits)

and fruits)

management

horticulture (vegetableshorticulture (vegetables- To engage in protected- To engage in protected

Direction of future

agricultural- Cannot reduce debts.

important.

living standards are

33

Improving incomes andfarming techniques

Dissemination of new

kyats

1,000,000 to 1,500,000

mechanized farming.

modernized and- To engage inmaintenance.

and irrigation

farming, mechanization

The modernization offarm equipment.

- Aid for introducing

3,000,000 kyats or more

farm produce for exports.

- Increased production of

mechanization.

- Labor-saving by- Dissemination of newcultivation techniques.
- Dissemination of new
post-harvest treatment- Aid for introducing
farm equipment.
- Dissemination of newcultivation techniques.

equipment.

financing and

Need to increase income.

- Aid for fertilizer costs.

loan

Need new technologies,

loan.

facilities and water.

equipment, irrigation

post-harvest treatment

combine harvester,

Need technology, tractor,

techniques.

- Low-interest farming- Field maintenance- Irrigation maintenance

3,000,000 kyats or moremechanization.

- Labor-saving by- Farmland expansion.

- Low-interest farming

farm equipment.

- Aid for introducing

3,000,000 kyats or more

improving the quality.

- Make more money byfor sales.

- Increased production- Farmland expansion.

facilities.

distribution processing- Maintenance of

3,000,000 kyats or more

- Farmland expansion.

during busy season.

- A shortage of labor- Water shortage- DroughtAnnex 3. Activity report for rice cultivation and farm management
Implementation of technical guidance: First visit

Tuesday, September 6th
Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation:
We made a courtesy visit to the Department of Agricultural Extension and met with Mr. U Htin
Aung Shein, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture. We made the arrangements forsurveys from the next day and requested them to arrange guides while we were in Pathein on the
12th and Myaung Mya on the 13th.

Wednesday, September 7th
Ms. May Zar Myint of the Department of Agricultural
Extension took us to a rice mill by way of the Tatkon
T/S office.
Aung Mingalar Rice Miller: The owner is Mr. Hla
Win Aung.
Managed by three brothers, we continued to survey
this mill from last year. At first, we saw a new millingmachine and an adjacent color sorter. The machine canpolish 30 tons to 40 tons of rice daily. Next, we saw an
old wooden milling machine placed at a factory nextColor sorter placed next to a new milling machine.

door. It was polishing Manawthukha. It can polish
18 tons of rice from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Using theold milling machine, the workflow is that they dorice hulling and polishing, as well as rice polishing.
After separating cracked rice, they use the millingmachine and color sorter to only re-polish polishedrice.
They buy 75% of paddy from brokers and 25%
from farmers. The quality of farmers’ paddy isbetter. Brokers do not pay much attention to

Old wooden milling machine

the quality of rice.
At the time of purchasing paddy, they check moisture content and color. After using a
Myanmar-made moisture meter to check moisture content, they purchase rice with the rangeof 14% to 16%. There is a separate route for soiled paddy. Rice with moisture content below
14% tends to be cracked. They also do not purchase 16% or more. The paddy at below 16%
decreases in moisture content by 1% in three days after storing for a week. From dry season34

from February to March, the rice dries easily
during a storage period. However, rice
retains much water until the middle ofJanuary. Even bagged rice loses muchmoisture after a while other than bags placed
directly on a concrete floor. The pricedifference between the moisture content of
paddy is up to 500 kyat/bag. If the color ofbrown rice is different after hulling sample

Interview

rice, they lower the purchase price. The sizeof grains differs by color.
←This is a mix of weedy red rice or different varieties.


We requested a broker to purchase paddy. The broker advertises by showing desired
requirements for purchase. The broker visits farmers and brings in. Although the broker bites
paddy to measure moisture content prior tobringing in, he/she would never bring rice inafter failing once.



They polish four types of varieties. They also
handle rice for China from February to June.
(← We assume it is a F1 hybrid variety,
Palatoe.)Cracked rice is used for mohinga (ricenoodles), rice vermicelli and feeds. They sellpolished rice to traders or at retail stores

Explaining how to use a moisture meter.

directly.
The duration from making paddy to polished rice is up to 15 days and the days for rotation are
three to four days normally.

Three brothers engage in a network of supply chain, which is when the broker who purchases
paddy from farmers and brings in to rice mill is same as a trader who purchases polished ricefrom rice mill and sells in markets.

The rice mill does not have any paddy in storage at that time. For harvesting in March andApril (dry season), they do not store any paddy because the rice is dried for three days prior tobringing it in to a rice mill. Even during the rainy season, the rice dries up after placing it
under the floor of high-floored farmer’s house for a week to ten days.



Although farmers can control rice quality, they cannot suppress mice and birds.
Mr. Matsumoto and Ms. Tanaka: Explained how to use a water meter. After checking the
moisture content of paddy sample, we observed large variations from 10% level, 12% leveland 10% level, indicating unstable moisture content. The owner of the rice mill also tried.
35

Although he brought a tabletop moisture meter later, we did not compare the data. Other
sample indicated 13.7%, 14.0%, and 13.0% for brown rice with the average of 13.5%. This
result also showed variation. For polished rice, on the other hand, the data was 13.6%, 14.3%,
and 14.2% with the average of 14.9%.
←We assume that the reason why the polished rice has higher moisture content than brown rice isthat polished rice absorbs moisture more.
When we check the temperature of paddy in a storage bag, it was 33℃, and 34℃ for the firstbag and 32℃ for next bag, which are almost same as an ambient temperature.

Other rice samples indicated that the moisture content of paddy was 12.4% and the moisture
content of brown rice was 13.4%. When the owner asked that of paddy, brown rice andpolished rice, which rice he should measure moisture content, we answered that because thetype he purchases is paddy, he should measure the moisture content of paddy. He replied thatthe moisture content of 12% level is too low for paddy, it would be accurate to add 2%. He
said that the data of the moisture meter we brought showed about 2% lower than normal. The
data was adjusted after Oga Electronic drew a standard curve based on the rice samples ofMyanmar in Japan. We can certainly agree to his opinion that if the moisture content of paddy
brought in is 12%, the damaged paddy has higher moisture content.

Tatkon T/S Office: Although there is no major weedy red rice problem in seed production, we
observed a mix of weedy red rice in a considerable amount at the rice mill we visited in themorning. There are 50 villages in Tatkon T/S with a population of 220,600 and 14.379 rice farmers.
Farmers have five acres of cultivation area on average and about 2-ha. They mostly grow rice bytransplant production. They employ workers for transplant production and use a combine harvesterfor harvest.

Thursday, September 8th
Lewe T/S office: We interviewed Mr. U Saw Win, who is T/S Manager.


Lewe has a population of nearly 280,000 and 580,000 acres of land. For rice production, there
are potentially 83,000 acres. There are 261 small villages and 67 rural communities. In thearea where irrigation water is available, farmers cultivate rice for two seasons and beans. Morespecifically, rainy-season rice is cultivated from June to September, beans from October toJanuary and summer rice from February to May. Actual rice cultivation areas are about 60,000
acres and of them, there are about 20,000 acres available for irrigated rice paddies and about
40,000 acres for rain-fed rice paddies. Of the two acres, above, there are 5,000 acres of areas
with irrigated water, which are available for three cultivations, including rice production for
two seasons and beans.

Varieties: Rainy-season rice such as Manawthukha, and Palatoe. Summer rice such as
Shwethweyin, 90-days and Palatoe. Compared to 145 tin/acre for Palatoe and 90 tin/acre for
Manawthukha for rainy-season rice, summer rice is about 100 tin/acre, which are167 tin/acre
for Palatoe. There are over 100 small to large rice mills in the area.
36



Although the average areas of farmers are unknown, the largest farmland is 20 acres and fiveacres for the smallest. For plowing operation, human power and animal power are fifty-fifty.
For harvesting operation, human power is 25% and machine is 75%.



The measures against weedy red rice are insufficient due to labor shortage and seeds.
Although good seeds are less problematic, the price is twice as much as farmers whenpurchasing seeds from a seed company. The moisture content of paddy is checked by biting,suggesting a so-called hunch is used instead of measurement device.



Although there are small-scale financial institutions in the area, the problem is a difficulty indisseminating new technologies. There are currently South Korean-made transplanting
machines, which cost $25 per acre to transplant. In comparison, it costs $65 per acre forhuman power.

Yadana Rice Mill: The owner is Ms. Daw Phyu. It is a rice mill we visit three years in a row.
The rice mill polishes 600 tins of paddy daily. For summer rice, they dry it in the sun. While
the purchase price of 100 tins of dry unhull rice for 530,000 kyats, the price of undried paddy
is 500,000 kyats. The moisture content of paddy is checked by listening to the sound of paddy
thrown on a floor and biting.



Summer rice has higher moisture content
because harvesting is done during rainy season.
They ask a large rice mill with dryer to dry
summer rice. There are two rice mills in the
district. The cost of drying is 200 kyats foreach tin, which is about $20 for 100 tins.
Machines are mostly used for harvesting andthrashing.

Rainy-season rice, which is harvested in
November to December, is stored until next

A moisture meter is used to measure the moisture

August to sell at a high price. When buying

content of paddy.

paddy, the color of brown rice is checked and if there is a high proportion of weedy red riceand yellowed rice, the purchase price increases. This rice mill directly purchases paddy fromfarmers and directly sell polished rice at markets.
At present, the rice mill polishes rainy-season rice harvested in December of previous year.
They keep themselves busy by polishing rainy-season rice from November to December andharvest summer rice from June to July. Prior to harvesting, they negotiate with farmers in thefields to make decisions.



We offered on-the-job training for a moisture meter. The moisture contents of paddy are
10.5%, 10.9%, and 10.6%, which is 10.6% on average, and 11.5%, 11.2%, and 11.5%, which
is 11.4% on average, for polished rice. The variations are relatively small and stable.



The shells of paddy are used at restaurants as fuel or for making bricks.
37

Taw Win Htik Htak Rice Miller: The owner is Dr.
Maung Maung Aye.
Interview with the owner’s son: The efficiency ofrice polishing is 500 tins daily. The rice polishingmachine was not in operation because they did nothave any orders.


The purchase of paddy: They visit farmers tobuy dry paddy only. The moisture content of
paddy is checked by biting. The Naypyidaw

Milling machine

district only.
Three varieties including Manawthukha

are grown and very few Palatoe. Weedy red rice israrely seen. It has been a year since the operation
has begun. They oversee the entire flow fromfarming, rice miller to a market. Although they havebirds, they are on guard for mice.
Interview with the owner: Equipment was

introduced from china and engineers were also
called to start their rice polishing business. Rice
Ownerbran is removed by refining. The number of orders
increases in summer (Around March to April). They

offer rice polishing by receiving orders. They also receive many orders from farmers andconsider purchasing another milling machine.


Manawthukha is slightly harder and Paw san is soft. Since people in Yangon prefer softer rice,
Paw san is shipped to Yangon. Manawthukha is shipped to China.

The milling machine was $3,000. They also have a generator. Rice bran is used for making
distilled spirit and as feeds. The shells of paddy are used for bricks and people visit topurchase them.

The paddy is stored up to ten days and sold immediately after polishing in September to
October. The proportion of rice polishing orders is nearly 100%. It is currently in anexperimental period.

Friday, September 9th
Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation:
Tanaka, Matsumoto, Ikeda and an interpreter reported their activities up to the previous day to
Director, Mr. U Myint Oo and Deputy Directors, Mr. U Htin Aung Shein, Ms. May Zar Myint, of
the Department of Agricultural Extension.
Yezin Agricultural University: They visited JICA’s technical project, Yezin Agricultura University
38

Upskilling Project.
Market visit: They visited a rice market in Pyinmana.

Monday, September 12th
DOA of Ayeyarwady District office: We interviewed deputy director, Mr. U Thay Lwin.
Tanaka: She explained the overview of JAICAF and this project and asked about the area’s farming,
especially information about rice production. She then requested to see a rice mill.
U Thay Lwin: There are 24 townships in the Ayeyarwady region. They share information at a
meeting held every two months. They also hold an irregular meeting as needed.
For rice production, there are 37 million acres for summer rice and 13 million acres forsummer rice. In addition, there are 240,000 acres only for summer rice production. There are
15,000 acres of rice paddies that can use irrigation water from a dam.



Varieties include Paw San, Manawthukha, Shwewartun, Sinthwelatt, Ayeyarmin, Kyawzeya,
and Thedatatyi.

They recognize that JICA’s seed experts are making achievements in Myaung mya, Lapta andHinthada, and wish to amplify thee techniques in the entire region of 26 townships.



Weedy red rice is caused due to wild species and it can be eliminated by updating seeds. A
high-yielding variety, HYV, is fine, but large amount of weedy red rice is caused due tofloating rice and deep flooded rice. There are 550,000 acres of areas with frequent floods(water depth of six-story) and 260,000 acres of areas with deep flooded rice (water depth of
three-story to four-story.



Actual problems include (1) farmers cannot transplant due to high water level during the rainyseason, (2) they do not have money for fertilizers, (3) lack of budgets, (4) labor shortage, (5)lack of farm equipment, and (6) unstable rice market, etc. Although there is insect damage,there is less disease damage, which is not a problem. ← Are these true?



The Assistant Director of Ministry of Commerce, U Tun Tun (Rice Miller), joined.

Ikeda: When he asked about his prospects in the Ayeyarwady region, Mr. U Tun Tun said it is theshape of rice grains.
Rice in Thailand and Vietnam is long and thin, but the grain length of rice in Myanmar is short.
Sinthwelatt, which is rainy-season rice, and Thedatatyi, which is summer rice, are long andthin and easy to export. The only problem is an export country is limited to China.

A limiting factor for exports is the rice is not organic and the problem is arsenic.

←Are there such places? Also, is the demand for organic rice that high?


Myanmar has a weak post-harvest technique. There are insufficient number of harvesters anddryers. The harvest season of summer rice is in the rainy season and there is a problem ofdrying. Twenty-seven percent of rice in Myanmar is produced in the Ayeyarwady region.

Ikeda: When he was asked about key points for increasing marketability, he answered that the key
was to consider the process of determining rice price. The quality management of rice is critical.
39

The quality of rice is determined by appearance and taste. It is important to eliminate mixtures andproperly control moisture of paddy.
Diamond Crown Rice Mill: It is a large-scale rice mill established in 2011 and the owner is Mr. U
San Aung. This rice mill stores 50kg of paddy per bag. Polished rice is shipped to northern andcentral Myanmar.
The efficiency of rice polishing is five tons
per hour. Nine hours of operation daily
produces 45 tons of polished rice. About
75,000 bags can be stored, and the averageis 55,000 bags. The price of a Chinese-mademilling machine is $130,000 including acolor sorter.



Mostly paddy is purchased from brokers anddirectly from farmers in some cases.
Polished rice is shipped to the market on
Large rice mill

their own. About 5,000 bags are loaded on aship each time.
When purchasing paddy, a Chinese-made water meter is used. Moisture content of 14% to
15% is purchased without problems. For 15% or below, paddy is purchased at lower price anddried with a dryer. They have a good circulation-type dryer. When the moisture content of
paddy exceeds 16%, they purchase by reducing 102 tins to 100 tins.



Six rice varieties are handled.

Comparison of a Chinese-made moisture meter and a Japanese-made moisture meter: A samebag of paddy is used for measurement (see below table).

Moisture
meter

Temp.
Temp.

Moisture content of paddy

insideRemarks

a bag

1

2

32℃

32℃

15%

14.3%

Japanese-made 31℃

31℃

13.7%

13.8%

Chinese-made

3Average
Insets a sensor into a different location.

13.3%

13.6%

Three samples are taken from a same
location.

The shells of paddy are used for making bricks. Cracked rice is used for (1) confectioneries andinexpensive rice, (2) feeds, and (3) alcohol drinks. Rice bran is used for fish feeds. Agents comeand get the paddy shells and rice bran.

40

There are two large milling machines introduced in 2011 and 2015, and the new one was inoperation. We also saw the CCTV equipment. Each corner of the rice mill can be checked from acontrol room. There are two large circulation-type dryers in another building, which are from China
and South Korea.
Myochid Rice Mill: The owner is Mr. U Tun Tun described earlier. The rice mill was established in2007. The performance of rice polishing is 4t/h. His partner is Mr. U Maung Maung Win.


Farmers mostly bring in paddy directly and not many brokers do so. A Chinese-made moisture
meter is used at the time of purchasing paddy. They carry polished rice directly to Mandalay
and a Chinese border. Although it takes two weeks by ship and two days by car, ship fare costs
less. This rice mill also has a Taiwanese-made circulation-type dryer.



As for varieties, they handle eight varieties such as Shinthukha and Thedatatyi, as well as a

A large rice mill in Pathein.

Understanding the operation situation using aglutinous rice variety.


It has a Myanmar-made and a Chinese-mademilling machines. The reason why it is not in
operation is that the rice price is low and theywait until the price goes up.

Fuel for the Taiwanese-made circulation-type
dryer is made from the shells of paddy.

Matsumoto: Using the shells of paddy leaves the odor
to rice without complete combustion.


There are about 40 rice mills in Pathein.

Circulation-type dryer

41

Tuesday, September 13thThitsar Rice Mill: Mr. U Myint Wai is the manager. Situated along a river, the location isconvenient for the transportation of paddy and polished rice.
Tanaka: She provided a description of JAICAF
and the purpose of this project.
The building was built in 1972 and purchasedby the current owner in 2000.


Farmers bring paddy by ship. Most of the
farmers have a minimum of five acres to a
maximum of 100 acres with the averageof 80 to 100 acres. Moisture content ismeasured at the time of purchasing paddy.

The above is a Kett-made and the bottom is

He owns three moisture meters; aChinese-made.

Chinese-made and two Japanese-mademeters (Kett Electric Laboratory and Oga
Electronics).
The standard level used is 15% of moisture content.
He has no problem with high moisture content
because he uses a dryer. Rather, he asks the farmers
to bring rice without drying. This helps dry rice
evenly. If not, cracked rice is caused due toover-drying in some locations.
Compared to the Chinese-made moisture meter,
he thinks the Japanese-made is more accurate.

Color sorter

Even so, the Chinese-made is more convenient
because it can measure quickly just by inserting in a bag.
People from northern and central Myanmar come and buy polished rice. For Yangon, he sells
rice to a broker.

The efficiency of rice polishing is 700 to 800
bags per hour, meaning 3,000 to 3,500 tins of
paddy, which is equivalent to 700 to 800 bags.
It operates 24 hours daily. From here, themanager acted as a substitute to accompany theminister and the owner accommodated us fromhereon.

The owner purchases 16% to 17% of paddy fromfarmers and uses a dryer to dry rice. He says heinstructs the farmers to do so. Paddy dried by42

A broiler’s kettle opening for the shells of paddy as

farmers is uneven and drying in a dryer
altogether allows uniform quality. Hepurchased a Myanmar-made circulation-type
dryer five years ago and considers updating it.
Matsumoto: He asked about the weedy red riceproblem.
Owner: Although about 15% to 30% of weedy
red rice is mixed in, a color sorter is used toremove it and even when a small amount is left,
A large-scale rice mill in Myaung Mya.

increased rice polishing accuracy enhances theappearance of rice. However, he thinks it isimportant to upgrade seeds.
Description: The improvement of rice quality
is the market and consumers decide in the end.
In other words, for farmers who bring paddy torice mills, the rice mill is their market. For ricemills that sell polished rice to a rice market,
the rice market is the market. This means that
With an owner of the rice mill

if the market has strict quality criteria, thequality increases itself, which means that if the rice mill has strict quality criteria, the production
farmers have strict criteria. If the rice market has strict criteria, the rice mill make the effort toimprove the quality to meet the criteria.
Owner: Farmers and the rice mill exchange informationand provide necessary suggestions and advice for seed
upgrade. This leads to better business.
While a tin of beans is 50,000 kyats, a tin of rice is
20,000 kyats, suggesting that bean production ismore attractive to producers.

Paddy shells after rice polishing are used at a raw
sugar factory (built on the premises of the rice mill).
Cracked rice is used for making rice vermicelli andconfectioneries. Rice bran is sold at 1 pound = 143
kyats. The rice mill effectively utilizes byproducts
to eliminate waste.

A Myanmar-made circulation-type dryer

The rice mill handles more than ten varieties. To polish varieties with different grain shapes, theoperation portion of rice polishing is adjusted.
No measures are taken against mice and birds.

When Mr. Matsumoto asked if there was any problem during operation for many years, the43

owner said he did not have any problem.
The rice mill has a color sorter and receives orders for rice polishing. Rice eliminated by thecolor sorter is given to staff for free. He uses a combustion broiler for paddy shells. The
charcoals from paddy shells are used to wash dish and brush teeth.

His Myanmar-made circulation-type dryer was $10,000 and was made by Myanmar engineers.
The fuel for this dryer is paddy shells.
The right photo shows a Myanmar-made circulation-type dryer that uses paddy shells as fuel.
We have seen three types of circulation-type dryers made in China, Taiwan and Myanmar.

Summary: The comparison of rice mills in the Naypyidaw region and the Ayeyarwady region
indicates different scales and the rice mills in the Ayeyarwady region are predominantly larger. In
addition, all the rice mills in the Ayeyarwady region have at least Chinese-made moisture meters,
as well as a circulation-type dryer.
The following is an attached appendix table of a comparison of rice mills surveyed.

44

ddy

Ayarwa

Taw

Pyi

Nay

Area

Thitsar Rice

Mill

mya

Mill

Myochid RiceMill

Crown RiceDiamond

Rice Miller

24h a dayOperatebags/h,700 to 800

4t/h

5t/h, 45t/D

Farmers

brokers.

slightly

farmers andMostlyseason*during the rainy

Request drying

Sun dry.

Air dry

Dryingcirculation-type
dryer=> Batch
dryMade in China

45

Myanmar-madeencouraged

15% as standards.

s rice: 1dryerpolishing.

orders for rice 10 or moreAlso, accepts

Made in China.

Glutinou

8,

ous rice:

Non-glutin

6

?

?

4

varieties

Number of

circulation-typee

Taiwanese-mad

A

None?

China

circulation-type
dryer*

Made in

None?

None

China

Made in

Color sorter

Rice polishing

Chinese-made

A

A

tins

tins as 100

Reduce 102

Purchase only paddy

100 tins

kyats for30,000

kyat/bagMax 500

difference

Price

Undrying is

Made in China

in China

slightly

farmers.

14% to 15% Made

biting.

Hunch such as

brokers andMostlyrice polishing

farmers forsound of dropping

fields.

Htik Htak

listening thedirectly in thebiting andHunch such as

Negotiatewith farmers

in China

Farmers: 25%

Requests

300 tin/D

600 tin/D

30 to 40t/D

measurement
14% to 16% Made

paddy

capacity

Moisture content

Brokers: 75%

Purchase ofpolishing

Paddy collection

Taw WinMillerYatanar Rice

MillerMingalar Rice

Aung

Rice miller

MyaungPatheinLewe

Tetkon

T/S

Rice

?

marketDirectly to amarketDirectly to aship to China)

Broker (Alsoat sugar factory, etc.

and direct use of cracked ricemoisture meters. Effective*Has two Japanese-madegoes up to polish rice.

they wait until the rice price*When not polishing rice,

CCTV equipment.

one separately. Also, has*Has a South Korean-madeetc.

*Manawthukha and Palatoe,

200 kyat/tin

market.

sum.

paddy and sell rice in a lump

Has a supply chain to purchase

Remarks*Drying fee:

Up to ten days

Up to 15days.

Three to four days.

Normally fromrice

paddy to polished

Storage period of

Directly to a

On their own

polished rice

Shipment ofImplementation of technical guidance: Second visit
Operation content:This three-year-long project began two years ago narrowed its focus on the post-harvest lossesof rice by making the rounds of rice farmers and rice millers to survey the actual situation of
post-harvest treatment and storage control, aiming to clarify problems and provide
countermeasures. This time, we held workshops in Naypyidaw and Pathein to conclude theprevious activities to sum up the results of operation over the last three years.

Specific activities<Sunday, November 20th>
We departed Narita and arrived at Yangon. We met with a long-term dispatched expert of the JICA
Seed Project, Mr. Okada, who has been supporting us from the preparation phase of this project,and Mr. Fujii and Mr. Miki, who are experts of the same seed project, and heard a story regarding
the current situation of rice production in Myanmar.
<Monday, November 21st>

Traveled from Yangon to Naypyidaw by car.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock
We talked with an expert, Mr. Kobayashi, who is on temporary assignment from JICA. Currently,
JICA is preparing several projects in Myanmar, and considering a next project in Shwebo after thecurrent seed project. A briefing will be held at the JICA headquarters in near future.
We made a courtesy visit to the director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, DOA.
After explaining the project’s objectives, Tanaka asked the director again to talk about the recent
efforts made toward post-harvest losses of rice in Myanmar (tentative name) at a workshop, which
we asked him prior to the dispatch this time (Tanaka). However, the director answered there was nosuch a plan. We explained that this project is a collaborative project of Japan and Myanmar and not
only the Japan side but also the Myanmar side needs to make presentations (Ikeda), and we
obtained his understanding.
We joined Professor Yamamoto of YAU; Yezin Agricultural University, at the Lewe T/S officeand headed to a rice mill.
A courtesy visit to
Yadana Rice MillThe owner used the moisture meter we provided
at the previous visit and left extensive records of the
moisture content of each variety of paddy and white
rice daily. The analysis of this record surely
provides accurate knowledge on the changes ofmoisture contents of paddy and white rice in storage.
46

The record of moisture content.

However, the moisture contents of paddy and white rice are 10.6% and 12.2% respectively, which
seem low across the board. When we visited the rice mill in Tatkon, we used the same moisture
meter to measure the moisture content of paddy, which was low at 12%. We heard the owner saying
it would be close to a correct value if 2% is added. We thought that there might be a problem withthe adjustment of the moisture meter at that time.
<Tuesday, November 22nd>
Ms. May Zar Myint took us to Tatkon. Professor Yamamoto of YAU and Dr. Umeda, a professor
emeritus of Kyoto University who was visiting YAU, came along with us. We greeted the directorof the Tatkon T/S office.
Aung Mingalar Rice MillThe rice mill also used a moisture meter to measure and record the moisture content of paddy.
The notebook contained date, the name of farmer, variety, ambient temperature and moisture
content (average of three values). Again, although the moisture content was low at about 12%, alldata was for paddy with a longer storage period after harvest. On the other hand, the paddy, which
a farmer brought in recently, indicated 15.8%, 15.6% and 14.8%, suggesting that this moisture
meter is not incorrect. He said he would not buy the paddy sample of this farmer because it has
high moisture content.
Although he said the mixing of weedy red rice decreased recently, when we visited this rice millwith an expert, Mr. Fujiya, last year, we saw a considerable amount of weedy red rice.
This rice mill purchases nearly 75% of paddy from brokers and purchases the remaining rice
directly from farmers. They also receive rice polishing orders from farmers. The minimum amountof rice polishing orders is ten baskets or more. Also, the unit of each bag for exporting to China is
108 pounds, and 105 pounds a bag for domestic. The reason is “108 pounds equal to 50 kg” (Mr.
Matsumoto).
Currently, the price of Manawthukha is
5,000 kyats per basket. Paddy produced lastyear is 6,500 kyats. However, the normal price
is 7,000 to 8,000 kyats. In some reason, therice produced last year was traded at lower
price this year (We were told it was due toweather disasters, but the cause is unknown.).
The old rice mentioned here is the rice that was
harvested six months ago or more.

The center is the Aung Mingalar Rice Mill’s owner.

The black board at the rice mill showed thenumber of bags for paddy plus the number of bags for white rice along with pounds after thedecimal point. It suggests that 18.4 means 18 bags of white rice plus four pounds.
There are 18 rice mills in Tatkon T/S and five of the rice mills are equipped with a color sorter.
47

The rice miller uses pavement surface of a two-way wide public roadway leading to the
President’s Office was used to dry paddy (Photo 5 and 6). Foot or tools are used to mix paddy
every 30 minutes and dried for three days. We could agree that the moisture content of paddy,
which was described above, is from 10% to 12%. It is in the dry season and days are favored bygood weather, which are good for drying.
<Wednesday, November 23rd>
We held a workshop at herbal garden. Overall, it was successful, but the general discussion
placed a disproportionate emphasis on a certain matter.
The workshop was joined by participants such as a manager of Yadana Rice Mill, a rice mill in
Lewe we visited two days ago, two brothers, who are the owners of Aung Mingalar rice mill in
Tatkon, and the owner of Taw Win Htik Htak Rice Miller, a rice mill owned by a former military
doctor we visited during the previous project. To start, the director of the Department ofAgricultural Extension made the usual greetings.
Greetings from the director of the Department of Agricultural Extension:
As Myanmar aims to secure food safety, increase farmers’ incomes and improve international
competitiveness, we are putting a great deal of effort in cultivating various dominant varieties aswell as the development of post-harvest technologies. High quality rice and food safety are amust in the global market. In this way, post-harvest is an extremely crucial agenda. Today, there
is a post-harvest technology training center established in cooperation with South Korea in
Tonbo, near Mandalay, and a total of 1,152 people took part in the 40-session training course sofar. The staff of each district also received training and we are planning on disseminating thetechnologies across the farmers.
Myanmar has been making a strong effort to cultivate ten crops including rice plants, corn, peanut,
sesame, sun flower, black gram, green gram, pigeon pea, cotton plant and sugarcane. Besides thecultivation and production of crops, post-harvest control technique is farmers’ important tasks.
The surveys in three regions indicated that
there were harvest losses of 9% to 15% inYangon, 13.4% to 20.9% in Ayeyarwady and8.6% to 14.8% in Bagoo. These losses arecaused due to piling bundles of rice plants
on a row for drying after harvest, during
thrashing and rice polishing process. Also,
because farmers cultivate beans immediately
after rice production (rainy-season rice),
there is no time for putting away bundles ofA record board of polished rice at the rice mill.

rice plants and farmers have no choice but todry rice on the bank. In recent years, withthe popularization of combine harvesters, the harvest losses are certainly decreasing. Not only
for rice but also for beans, the training center above train farmers to ensure efficient harvest,
48

thrashing, transport and drying, by taking advantage of the post-harvest treatment technology.
In consideration to sustain food safety, maintain and improve international competitivenessand preserve the environment at all times, we have set model farmers who grow good varieties
and maintain good health.
I appreciate JAICAF for spending three years to conduct a survey on post-harvest losses.
Today, JAICAF will make presentations. I encourage you to share your opinions on current
problems and ask for consultation. I would also like to work together to proceed with the
management of food quality. I hope to receive the cooperation of JAICAF in the days to come.
Ikeda: Following a separate material, he briefly talked about the key activities for the last three
years. He pointed out the current situation of rice production and rice exports in Myanmar bycomparing nearby countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, by summing up the past
activities, he explained about the countermeasures against weedy red rice in the end.
Matsumoto: Per a separate material, he provided detailed explanation of the maintenance andmanagement of high-quality rice at rice mills. He mentioned that there were invisible losses, andin the end, he concluded that instead of ending by saying “I know”, they should say “I can do it”
and “I will do it”.
Tanaka: She explained using a separate PowerPoint material. She began by explaining about
definitions that gender is not just gender yet a social concept.
General discussion:
A question by the deputy director: (1) The selection with salt solution helps identify weedy red ricebecause it changes its color to black. Also, rice mills have color sorter that can eliminate weedy
red rice. Even so, does weedy red rice remain as a problem? (2) About the safety of farm produce,
how does Japan take measures? (3) What is the current situation of hybrid rice?
As for (1), perhaps, red weedy rice did not have a chemical reaction with salt solution, and wet
paddy becomes translucent and the internal brown rice color can be identified from the outsideof paddy. If so, it requires time and effort to remove it in the end. Also, the color sorter is used
for polished white rice, not brown rice. Needless to say, it is better that red weedy rice does not
get mixed in from the beginning. As for (2), Japan has the food safety standards establishedofficially, and the government determines right and wrong according to the standards. For (3),although there are hybrid rice varieties developed by some private companies in Japan, theproduction is limited. In addition, only a few other varieties are put to practical use. He
explained that the reasons were hybrid rice is not so high-yield as expected, costly to produce
seeds, and its difficulty in combining parent rice to make hybrid rice that has taste preferred by
the Japanese.
<Thursday, November 24th>
Moved to Yangon by car.
<Friday, November 25th>
Moved to Yangon and Pathein.
49

On the way, we said farm fields where bundles of rice plants after harvest are lined in a row
along a ridge and ears are alternatively piled back and force for each level. The bottom bundles ofrice plants were touching the soil. Also, a considerable amount of time had passed after harvest andsprouted beans for the next season were in the fields.
We saw rice harvesting operation in another location. The variety was Ayeyartoe. Although it
was quite earlier than proper time for harvesting rice, the rice plants had long stems and werecollapsed. The farmer had to plant seeds for beans, which was a subsequent crop, and was
harvesting the rice. It was quite a high level cutting. The farmer said the stubbles were burned
before planting seeds for beans.
We had a meeting with a director of the Ayeyarwady Regional Office in Pathein, Mr. U Tun Aung
Kyaw, a deputy director, Mr. U Thay Lwin, and Mr. Daw Nwet Nwet Win (assistant director who
prepared for the workshop after being contacted by Mr. Okada, an expert of the seed project) about
the day’s workshop. The workshop was joined by ten farmers, ten rice millers, four managers fromtownships, and a director, which is 25 participants in total. The chairperson was Daw Nyien Nyien
Toe (Staff Officer, DOA Ayeyarwady). It started at 1:49 p.m.
Greetings from the deputy director: Myanmar is a farming nation with rice as a major crop.
Since the quality rice (high-quality rice) is crucial, we are putting a strong effort along with the
production of excellent seeds. JAICAF has conducted a survey on post-harvest techniques forthe last three years, and they will make presentations of the results. I ask that participants ask
various questions.
Ikeda used the PowerPoint files used previously to provide an explanation. Next, Mr. Matsumoto
made presentations. Without having breaks, Ms. Tanaka continued to talk.
Question (1): How do you check for harmful substances such as arsenic contained in rice?
Answer: In Japan, there are food safety standards and public institutions conduct an analysis ofingredients of farm produce. Without passing the test, the food is not permitted.
Question (2): I heard that there is a drug for increasing natural predators. What is it?
Answer: Although there is an idea of using natural predators as a natural drug, we have neverheard of using a drug to increase natural predators. There might have been somemisinterpretation.
Question (3) (Farmers distributing rice plants): What should we do if weedy red rice is mixed inin the fields?
Answer: It is difficult to identify not only variants but also weedy red rice in the fields that
distribute rice plants. In this case, the only measure is to upgrade seeds.
Question (4): (A woman from the seed project): The quality loss is caused when paddy samples
are stored in a plastic bag sent for seed testing. What should we do?

50

Answer: Use paper bags, or mesh bags are better. Rice breathes air, so humidity stays trapped in
the bag when sealed tightly and gets filled with Co2, leading to quality loss. Air permeability isimportant for safe storage of seeds. (According to the expert, Mr. Okada, this seed storage
does not have any temperature control and dehumidifier, which are root causes.)
The workshop ended at 4:37 p.m. The participants were 33 people.
<Saturday, November 26th>
The expert, Mr. Okada, of the seed project took us to two seed production farmers in the Ngwe
Saung T/S.
Farmer (1) Madaukkune village: Within 20 acres of rice paddies, a seed production was doneusing 1.5 acres during the dry season. The variety brought in by OISCA from the Philippines is
Pakhanshwewah. The farmer used to sell a basket of seeds for 8,000 kyats and the current price
is 8,500 kyats. The yield was 80 baskets/acre. Two farmers from Myaung Mya brought 30
baskets respectively and a farmer from the Lebena state brought 45 baskets and a farmer fromPathein brought five baskets. A moisture
meter obtained from JICA is used tomeasure and sell at 13%. (The seedproject recommends 13% for the moisture
content of paddy.)
During the dry season, while Theedatyin
was

a

main

variety,

thisvariety,

Pakhanshwewah, is said to be better. The
DOA also instructs them to do transplant
production. The farmer obtained seeds

The Pakhanshwewah variety we saw at the seedfrom this guide, Mr. U Madaukkune

production farmer.

Khage. Although Theedatyin has almost
the same maturity season and culm length, Pakhanshwewah is more resistant against collapsing.
The price of seeds differs by 2,500 kyats per basket. The yield of Theedatyin is 60 baskets per
acre. Since it is the first year for this variety, the yield is unknown. However, the ears are slightly
longer and the number of light paddy is many and ripening is quite well. This suggests the yieldof Pakhanshwewah is higher. This variety is also popular in the rice market. People from the
Delie state came and bought 250 baskets. The grains are thin and long and cooked rice is softand does not get harden when cool. The main variety for dry-season production possibly
switches to this variety. Additionally, this variety is cultivated during the rainy season and dry
season. This farmer directly seeds during the dry season and produces seeds during the rainyseason.
51

For this variety, FS was brought from DAR in2015 and 2016. Farmers in three townships in
Ayeyarwadi also grow this variety. One bag ofwhite rice is sold at 23,500 kyats. *The paddyof Sinthukha is 4,600 kyats for 50 pounds =22.7kg.
This farmer used to produce Sinthwelatt seeds
under a contract with a seed company andbecause of poor original seeds, they failed. The

The Paw Sam yin variety’s standing crop in theseed regulations were established in Myanmar

farmer’s fields.

last year and seed companies must be
registered. We took photos of Paw Sam Yin in the farmer’s rice paddies.
Farmer (2) Kway village tract, Tha Yat Wan Pu village: We talked to three farmers whogathered there. Mr. U Saw Bahkay has three acres (seed production in the entire area), Mr. U
Saw Tapale has 1.5 acres (within the 10 acres), and Mr. U Nay Mya has one acre (within six
acres) for seed production and cultivation. Also, here, the variety is Pakhanshwewah. They
produce seeds as instructed by DOA. The problem is a difficulty in securing labor. It takes a day
to harvest one acre of rice with 15 people. The wage for harvest is 3,500 kyats for a person per
day with a meal. Although the dryness level of paddy was checked by biting, the extension
center brought a moisture meter recently to check. One basket is sold at 8,500 kyats. For normal
paddy, depending on varieties, the price is 4,000 kyats to 5,000 kyats. The rice mill in the Delie
state lends a combine harvester and with contract cultivation in mind, they purchase a large
quantity of seeds. The seed production here is done for the first time this year. They obtain
original seeds from DOA and received guidance on the seed selection with salt solution, how to
produce nursery beds and transplanting, as well as information on seed buyers.

Japan’s Manda Fermentation Co., Ltd. lends 200,000 kyats per acre to farmers for free and in
Ayeyarwadi, the total amount is 2.6 million kyats for a total of 1,300 acres. In addition, Manda
Fermentation distributed a bottle of liquid fertilizer, Manda No. 31, to farmers. They explained
about the importance of farmyard compost, but they seemed to misunderstand it as the compostof paddy straws. For the elimination of variants, they go around a total of four times fromtransplanting to harvest. This suggests it is a total of four times from (1) after seedlings take root
after transplanting, (2) around the first ear emergence, (3) the period when ears tilt, and (4)immediately before harvest. There are both field inspection and indoor test for seed production.
When we said that the former was especially important, the expert Mr. Okada said that it isalready implemented by limiting 50 acres.

52

The table on the rightshows the comparison ofCultivation

normal rice production andNormalseedcultivation

production

andcultivation. However, what is

Seedbeyond our comprehension is

production

Transplanting

Harvestoperation

8 workers

10 workers

15 workers

15 workers

Yield
40 to 50
baskets
98 baskets

the yield of seed productionis twice as much as the yield of regular cultivation. We could fully understand if the numbers
were opposite.
<Sunday, November 27th>
Traveled from Pathein to Yangon.
<Monday, November 28th>
From 10:00 a.m., we made an activity report to a secretary Kazuyoshi Suzuki at the Japanese
Embassy and obtained information on the current overall condition of rice production and thesituation of rice in Myanmar. The secretary shared his high hopes for shifting to distribution next
and add contents that meet Myanmar people’s preference and demand so as to corresponddifferently for each area with the final goal of making policy proposals.
Departed Yangon.
<Monday, November 29th>
Returned to Japan.
8. General overview① Promotion of proper time for harvesting rice
Since farmers know the proper time for harvesting rice, there areother factors that they cannot harvest at a proper timing. For
example, even they plan on using a combine harvester, due tovarious reasons such as poor climate, they cannot harvest
because they cannot borrow it as scheduled. In addition, if rice
fields are located in the back, the farmers work on the rice
fields after finishing the harvest of rice fields in the front,
causing them to miss proper time while waiting and ended up

Liquid fertilizer, Manda No. 31,
was distributed to farmers.

harvesting by hand. Additionally, in areas without farm roads,
they move a combine harvester beyond fields. In this way, structural problems remain still.
② Clarification of challenges in post-harvest treatment and available measures to be
implemented
53

Table: Conceptual categories of post-harvest losses
Losses due to harvesting method,while drying bundles of rice plants in
Quantitative
factorthe fields, during thrashing, losses
from losing grains duringtransportation and losses while drying
paddy.

Losses after
harvestThe mix of different types such as
Post-harvest losses

Qualitative(Overall)factorweedy red rice, frequent immature
rice due to harvest before proper time,
cracked grains due to overheating andoverdrying.
Pest damages from mice, birds andLosses while

Quantitative

grain-storage insects, damages due tofactormolds and pathogenic bacteria.

in storage
Qualitative
factorMolds, discoloration, abnormal grains(yellowed rice) due to high moisture
content in paddy or white rice.

Post-harvest losses of rice are divided into losses during harvesting and storage. In addition,these losses are divided into quantitative losses and qualitative losses (see right table.)Given quantitative losses during harvesting, the discrepancies in harvesting method are large.

Using a combine harvester, harvesting and thrashing can be done at once and then to drying.
On the other hand, harvesting by hand requires harvesting, banding together, drying in thefields, transporting to a thrashing location, or transporting to a thrasher immediately after
harvesting and drying after thrashing. Although hand-harvesting requires drying bundles of rice
plants in the fields prior to thrashing and transportation, the use of combine harvester does not
require these steps. This creates a major discrepancy. Shedding varieties in particular create more
losses during transportation. There was a report that about 7% of losses are generated duringtransportation. After drying in the fields, workers carry the bundles of rice plants in their shoulders
or load them on a cow carriage to transport them to an area for thrashing, ears fall off on the way or
the grains shed, causing losses. For that, although farmers take measures by placing ears in a bag orcovering with a sheet, they still have losses. For drying, setting aside when bundles of rice plants
are dried by placing upright in the fields, if the bundles of rice plants are piled flat on the bank, thebottom stocks of paddy are difficult to dry, creating a cause of quality loss. In this way, quantitative
losses can be improved considerably by changing from hand-harvesting to using a combine
harvester. However, some pointed out that a large amount of paddy is released from the blowing
54

opening of a combine harvester, suggesting the necessity of improving a combine harvester itself inthis case.
On the other hand, the qualitative losses during harvesting are caused mainly due to the mixingof different types such as weedy red rice. In addition, other causes are the frequent occurrence ofimmature grains because of inability to harvest rice at a proper time and cracked grains due tooverheating and over-drying.
Next, the quantitative losses caused in storage are caused by pest damage such as mice and bird
damage such as sparrows, and damages caused by grain-storage insects cannot be ignored.
Quantitative losses are also caused due to molds and pathogenic bacteria. In addition, thequalitative losses while in storage are caused due to changes in rice quality such as yellowed ricefrom insufficient drying of paddy after harvesting. If the moisture content of paddy can be
regulated under 14%, these losses can be reduced significantly. If the moisture content of paddy is14%, black molds caused to residual germs and yellowed rice after storing for long periods of six
months or more, and the quality can be maintained. In addition, if the moisture content of paddy is14%, even when the storage temperature is 20℃ or 30℃, breathing can be suppressed, and quality
deterioration is prevented. These points suggest that the key is how to check the moisture content at
14%. There is no problem with a moisture meter, it is still difficult for each farmer to own amoisture meter. Many farmers and rice millers check paddy by biting to determine by the feel, or
using a wooden board to rub by pressing paddy placed on a desk to check dryness by the feel. The
solution is to have each farmer and rice miller own a moisture meter.
To improve rice quality, the quality must be judged according to the nation’s quality standards
and use the standards to determine price in the market. Without doing these, it is difficult tounderstand as an actual feeling.

③ Introduction of seed pretreatment technique and uniform seedling raising
To uniform the raising of seedlings, it is important to use homogeneous excellent seeds. On thatbasis, the seed selection with water or the seed selection with salt solution should be implemented.
Even when the wind winnowing of paddy is done after thrashing, because some includes paddy
with poor grain filling, a group of enhanced seeds is realized by removing floating paddy byimplementing the seed selection with water. In addition, by doing the seed selection with salt
solution adjusted to the specific gravity of 1.13, better seeds can be obtained. By putting salt until afresh egg floats on the water sideways, it creates the specific gravity of 1.13. When making salt
solution without using a raw egg, add 2 kg of salt or 2.5 kg of ammonium sulfate in 10 liters ofwater.
<Summary>
It is crucial for farmers and rice millers to firmly recognize quantitative losses and qualitative
losses as post-harvest losses. For example, when paddy in storage is eaten by birds and mice, they
consider it as no major problem because they cannot grasp specific amount of losses. However, in55

fact, there should be a considerable amount of losses. It is easily assumed because numerous miceholes were seen around rice millers and baby mice were frequently caught in adhesive traps. On theother hand, quality deterioration increases under high temperature and humidity while in storage.
By reducing moisture content to below 14%, the breathing of rice is suppressed to reduce quality
deterioration. Although these matters are already well-known facts by some of researchers,
research institutions and concerned people in the administrative system, we believe there is a
structure issue in Myanmar today. They have information and necessary technologies, but thesematters do not penetrate and disseminate in actual sites. Through the activities over the last three
years, we had a strong sense that it is important to question underlying causes at first. The key is tomake practical efforts in the future.
The following suggests extremely crucial points for improving rice quality in terms of weedy red
rice.
1)

The generation sources of weedy red rice in Asia have roots in the interspecific hybridcaused due to natural hybridization of the agricultural species of rice with wild relativesof rice (Oryza rufipogon and O. nivara) grown inside rice paddies, ridges, surrounding
grassland and channels. Even perennial O. rufipogon and annual O. nivara are widelydistributed in southeast Asia. Due to their high cross compatibility with an agricultural
species O. sativa, it is easily crossed and the crossbreeds indicate sufficient fertility.

2)

These weedy rice plants easily drop grains prior to grain filling and have a strong
diapause and competitiveness. They also have a strong vitality and fecundity with greattransmission capability, allowing for easy invasion.

3)

Since many wild species are weedy red rice, the invasion of weedy rice plants increases
weedy red rice and gets mixed in white rice. In addition, it is believed that the mix of
weedy red rice seen in harvested rice is because the seeds of weedy red rice are mixed inor originated from crossbreed by natural hybridization with wild species prior to previous
generations.

5) It is crucial to accurately understand the generation situation of weedy red rice. The
discovery of when and which rice paddies weedy red rice is found, the generation situationof weedy rice plants around the rice paddies, whether or not there was a problem withoriginal seeds, and other causes leads to immediate measures.
6) The problem of weedy rice plants and weedy red rice is in question around the world. To
develop measures, other countries’ information can be utilized.

56

Annex 4. Workshop Presentation

Outline of this projectWorkshopSponsored by MAFF, GOJ

Project of Fact Finding Survey for Poverty Reductionand Sustainable Agricultural Development in Myanmar

Year

Post-harvest losses of rice2014

November, 2016

2015

2016

JAICAF

Ryoichi Ikeda

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Country
Bangladesh
Laos
Cambodia
Viet Nam
Indonesia
MyanmarPhilippines
ThailandSri Lanka
Madagascar

2009
173.1
160.5
158.4
144.8
129.9
121.4
123.1
117.7
108.7
103.6

2010
172.8
161.6
159.9
145.4
131.8
124.5
116.0
114.0
111.8
104.2

2011
172.6
162.3
159.2
145.3
133.0
125.1
118.8
112.1
108.7
103.4

* Based on Milled equivalent

Nay Pyi Taw

T/S
5

Nay Pyi Taw

2

Nay Pyi Taw

2

Ayarwaddy

2

VisitedSubject

Training

Farmers

Yield loss

Farmers,
Rice millers,
Extension workers

Rice millers
Rice millers

Rice millers

Grain quality
Grain quality
Insect pests

Rice millers,
Extension workers

Grain quality

Rice millers

Top 10 countries of
Rice production (m.t)
Rice area harvested (m.ha)
1 China
188.4
1 India43.3
2 India
141.9
2 China
29.2
3 Indonesia
12.5
3 Indonesia
60.1
4 Bangladesh
11.1
4 Bangladesh
44.4
5 Thailand
10.8
5 Viet Nam
38.4
6 Viet Nam
7.5
6 Thailand
32.0
7 Myanmar
7.3
7 Myanmar
27.7
8 Philippines
4.3
8 Philippines
15.8
9 Brazil
2.9
9 Brazil
11.8
10 Pakistan
2.6
10 Japan
10.8

Food supply quantity (kg/capita/yr)*
Rank

District

2012
172.5
141.7
134.4
129.6
120.9
114.6
108.3
102.7
from FAOSTATFAOSTAT (Aver. 2001-2014)

50

12

40

10
8

30

6
20

4

10

2

0

0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Thailand

Viet Nam

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
MyanmarThailand
Viet Nam

Myanmar

Production of rice in three countries (m.t)

Export quantity of rice from three countries (m.t)

From FAOSTAT

57

From FAOSTATFlow of rice①

Farmers ①

FarmerBrokerRice Miller

Proper timeof harvest②

30％

premature

13％

proper time

3％ over mature

BrokerMarketConsumers
Premature

Proper time

Miller ②

FarmerThreshingorMarketCauses of harvest losses
Quantitative loss

Qualitative loss

Consumers

58

Over matureQuantitative losses

Qualitative losses• Harvesting: timing, methods• Transportation: human, animals, mechanical• Threshing: ability of thresher, method• Cleaning: winnowing• Drying: location & space, method• Storage: not always well-equipped• Moisture contents of rice grains• Colored grains (including red rice)

Respiration of grains (CO2mg/100g/24h)

Training of test for rice grain quality

Examination of stored rice insect pests

Moisture contents (%)

Stored rice insect pests

3. Grain borers
Lesser grain borer
Rhyzopertha dominica

1. Weevils

Rice weevil
Sitophilus oryzae

4. Grain beetles

Maize weevil
Sitophilus zeamais

2. Flour beetles
Rust-red flour beetle
Tribolium castaneum
Saw-toothed grain beetle
Oryzaephilus surinamensis

59

Flat grain beetle
Cryptolestes pusillus

Management technologies on stored rice insect pests

5. Moths
Angoumois grain moth
Sitotroga cerealella

1 Chemical control
Safe and effective use of insecticides

2 Biological control
Effective use of natural enemies

3 Physical control

6. Others

Construction of effective seed store

Siamese grain beetle
Lophocateres pusillus

Damaged rice grains

4 Ecological control
Analysis and use of stored rice insect ecological habits

5 Integrated pest management (IPM)
Combine all the effective methods to control stored rice insect pests

What is weedy rice?
• They are variable in appearance andoccur in all major rice-growing areas;
America, Europe, the Caribbean,
Africa and Asia.
• The origin of weedy rice in Asia is as
yet unclear, though it is thought thatthey are natural hybrids of cultivated(Oryza sativa) and wild rice species(O. rufipogon and O. nivara).

Distribution of Oryza
rufipogon Griff.

• The characteristics are seed shattering,seed dormancy and competitivenesswith cultivated rice.

Easy shattering
even pre-matured
seeds

Koshihikari

Different types of weedy rice

How to prevent weedy rice?

Summary• Use “clean seed” from a “known source”• Take care to thoroughly clean machinery• Canals should be cleared to infestations

Post-harvest losses and quality deterioration
1. Quantitative losses of stored rice would be occurred by rats,
birds, insect pests.
2. Quality deterioration of stored rice would be occurred bymoisture contents higher than 14%, fungal diseases andinsect pests.

Manual weeding is effects for reducing initial
infestations of weedy rice.

Contamination of weedy rice
1. Weedy rice invades easily paddy field and crosses easily withcultivated rice.
2. Its characteristics are easy shattering, strong dormancy andhigh competitiveness.

Removal of weedy rice plants when the weed firstinfests a field can help prevent more serious
infestations in future crops.

60Type of Losses
How to prevent Post‐harvest loss
by controlling moisture• Quality loss (Value loss)
Red grains, Yellowish grains, Broken rice,
Foreign matter (Other grains, etc)

• Quantity loss (Amount loss)
Rats, Birds, Insect damage during storage
November 2016
Iwao Matsumoto
JAICAF

Value Loss of Rice

Value Loss of Rice

Contamination of Red & Yellowish Kernel will affects;● Red Kernel• High Moisture Content;● Yellowish Kernel

・Lowering price 10‐20%

・Lowering price 5‐20%•Rice Miller will rejects•It is impossible to export

Fermentation, Molds, Discoloration, Insect Damage• Low Moisture Content;

receiving

Increase Cracked Kernel, Energy Loss

Yellowish Kernel

Broken Kernel 40%

Post Harvest Handling
Harvesting

Post Harvest Handling
Harvesting• Moisture Content and Its Control• At after harvest time grain contains 20‐25% moisture• Wet paddy must be treated within 24 hrs ( do not keep in the
bag or heap up wet grain）• Appropriate harvesting time;• Rate of green‐colored paddy grain became 10‐15%• Inappropriate harvest time results;• Earlier harvest; increase immature grain, Yield loss
• Late harvest; Increase Brocken rice, shattering loss,
Lodging, Birds attacked• High Moisture Content; Immature grain (Earlier harvest),
Exposure to rain, Submerged grain• Low Moisture Content; Exposure to strong sunshine, High
temp. of heated air

GreenYellow
Stem

61

Post Harvest HandlingProtection against deterioration

Post Harvest Handling
Drying• By Hand• Incomplete drying, ineffective drying will reduce
grain quality• Do not pile up wet straw, Keep Panicle upward• Avoid just after rain, early morning• Heating Temperature: >40oC• Drying rate; 0.8%/hr• Do not mix different M/C <3%(Avoid a difference in moisture contents )• By Combine• Do not keep wet paddy in the bag for long, heap paddy
grain on the floor• Avoid just after rain, early morning

Moisture meter( high M/C, Separation device can not Perform well )Turn‐over the grain and avoid
a rapid remove the moisturefrom the grain

Post Harvest Handling
Storage

Post Harvest Handling
DryingSlow drying of the paddy will prevent cracking
Relation b/w Drying rate and Cracking
Exceed 0.8%, Cracking rate
will generate

Cracking rate(%)

Cleanliness/tidy

Check M/C
periodical

Use Pallet“Safe” storage of paddy grain for longer period is;
1.Grain is dried down to 14% MC or lower
2.Grain is Protected from insects and rodents

Drying rate(%/hr)

Post Harvest Handling
Storage

Post harvest handling
Milling• Rodents, Birds, Insects• Weight of Rats 100~200g Consume 35‐50g/Day
in addition, Excrement (Wastes and Urine) develop theodor• Natural enemy: Cat, Eagle, Hawk, Snake• Offensive Smell: Smell of Natural Enemy, Peppermint,(Strong Scent of Herb)

62

Processing Equipment

Milled rice Standardｓ• Standard Specification for milled rice in Japan• Component of Whitening/Polishing for longgrain
Abrasive
Emery stone

Abrasive

PolisherAbrasive

Friction• Component of Grading
SifterThickness

Length• Color sorter

Milled Rice Standards
Thailand/Vietnam• Thailand

USD340/ton•
Price:USD550/ton

63Bad Examples from JAPAN

Gender Analysis for
Agricultural Extension

 Accessing to “household-representatives”
 Only men come to the event/seminar/workshop
 Women do not have access to new technology and support

system Land owned by men
 Women cannot participate in decision making nor actively

invest in land

 Mechanization
 Men dominate the operation of machinery and once they

Project Name: Project of Fact Finding Survey for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Agricultural Development
When: Nov 2016,

Where: Myanmar

Presenter: Mari Tanaka, JAICAF

Contact: m.Tanaka@jaicaf.or.jp

became disabled or absent, their wife nor daughter do notknow how to operate the machine Machinery said to save labour, but this assumption is neglecting
the increase in peripheral labour burdening women

What to look and how

What is Gender and Gender Equality?

 What to look? : Gender*: Socially constructed characteristics ofwomen and menWho carries out which agricultural tasks?

Norms, Roles, Relationships, Responsibilities

Who has access to and control over resources andservicesDifferent in cultures and generations

What are the reasons behind these differences?

 Gender Equality: Result of the absence of Method:

discrimination on the basis of a person’s gender inopportunities, allocation of resources, benefits
and in access to services

Individual / Household interviews
Surveys and mapping
Focus group discussions*Sex: Physical characteristics of women and men

Gender analysis and its importance

Useful tools for extension officers 1

 Gender analysis: Systematic analytical process

 Activity Profile

used to identify, understand, and describe genderdifferences and the relevance of gender roles andpower dynamics in a specific context

 Identifies who does what
 Useful to share info to theperson who does the activity

 Why important: Teach new technology of

weeding to the person who
does weeding instead ofteaching the householdrepresentativeTo find the best strategies and solutions toaddress the different needs and dynamics ofwomen and men

64

Activity
Productive Activity
Agriculture:
Land clearnace
Ploughing
Seed selection
Nersury making
Planting
Weeding
Bird scaring
HarvestingThreshing
DryingTransporting
Selling
Non-agricultural:Managing shops
DriverTeacher
Reproductive Activity
Food preparation
Cleaning
Raising children
Taking care of elderly
Washing clothes

Tool 1: Activity Profile
Women/Girls

✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

Men/Boys✔
✔
✔

✔

Activity
Productive Activity
Agriculture:
Land clearnace
Ploughing
Seed selection
Nersury making
Planting
Weeding
Bird scaring
HarvestingThreshing
DryingTransporting
Selling
Non-agricultural:Managing shops
DriverTeacher
Reproductive Activity
Food preparation

Tool 1: Activity Profile
Women/Girls
Men/Boys✔

Useful tools for extension officers 3

✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

 Daily Activity Clockchanges who spend time on
what. You can identify how
useful the new technology interms of time-saving and who
benefits from that technology✔

to hold extension workshop

Time

Useful tools for extension officers 2
Tool 2: Access and Control Profile
AccessMen
Women Access and Control Profile

who owns
 Useful to identify
 If you can use land but does

not own the land, difficult
to encourage investment in
the land (soil improvement,
irrigation, etc.)

✔
✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

✔

✔
✔

✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

✔
✔

✔

✔
✔
✔

16:00-17:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
21:00
22:00

Wash clothes, clean house,
help homeworks
Cook dinner
Take dinner, wash dishes
Bath children
Take bath
Sleep

Take dinnerInspect livestocks
Take bath
Sleep

Men

Take breakfast, wach
Wake up, takedishes, prepare children
breakfast
for school

7:00-12:00

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

Take children to school, work
Feed livestock, work in farmin farm

Cook lunch, take lunch, wash
Take lunch
12:00
dishes
13:00- 15:00 Work in farm
Work in farm
Go to market, take children
Community meeting
15:00
home

6:00

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

Tool 2: Access and Control Profile
AccessControl
Women
Men
Women
Men

✔

Take breakfast, wach dishes,
Wake up, take breakfast
prepare children for school

Daily Activity Clock
Women

Take children to school, Feed livestock, work
work in farmin farm
Cook lunch, take lunch,
Take lunch
wash dishes

13:00- 15:00 Work in farm

✔
✔
✔
✔

6:00
7:00-12:00

5:00
Men

12:00

Resources
Land
Fertilizer
Seed
Livestock
Machinery
Training
CreditBenefits
Outside income
Asset ownership
Basic needs
Education
Political power

Wake up, boil water for
milking, clean kitchen, milking,cooking breakfast

Wake up, boil water for
milking, clean kitchen,milking, cooking
breakfast

Control

Women
Resources
Land
Fertilizer
Seed
Livestock
Machinery
Training
CreditBenefits
Outside income
Asset ownership
Basic needs
Education
Political power

Work in farm

Bibliography

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔



Candida March, Ines Smyth and Maitrayee Mukhopadhyay, 1999,

A Guide to Gender- Analysis Frameworks, Oxfam GB, London.
https://www.ndi.org/files/Guide%20to%20Gender%20Analysis%20Frameworks.pdf


Lis Meyers, Lindsey Jones, 2012, Analysis, Assessment and Audit Manual &Toolkit, ACDI/VOCA

http://www.acdivoca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ACDI-VOCA-GenderAnalysis-Manual.pdf

✔
✔
✔
✔
✔

65

Men

5:00

 Technology introduction

 Identify when is the best time Identifies who can use andDaily Activity Clock
Women

Time

 Minimize negative impact

Annex 5. Extension MaterialWŽƐƚŚĂƌǀĞƐƚ,ĂŶĚůŝŶŐ

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,16(&73(6762)6725('5,&(INSECT PETS FOUND IN RICE STORAGE IN MYANMAR

1. Weevils

2. Flour beetles

Rice weevil

Maize weevil

Sitophilus oryzae

Sitophilus zeamais

Rust-red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

 *UDLQERUHUV

4. Grain beetles/HVVHUJUDLQERUHURhyzopertha dominica

5. Moths

Saw-toothed grain

Flat grain beetle

beetle Oryzaephilus

Cryptolestes

surinamensis

pusillus 2WKHUV

Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella

6LDPHVHJUDLQEHHWOHLophocateres pusillus

MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES ON STORED RICE INSECT PEST
1. Chemical control: Safe and effective use of insecticides
2. Biological control: Natural enemies are expected as agents of stored rice insect
pest control.
3. Physical control: Construction of rice storage
4. Ecological control: Environments difficult for rice insect pests to inhabit.
5. Advancement of the integrated pest management (IPM): Combine all theeffective methods to control stored rice insect pests.
Photos taken by Dr. Azusa Fuzjiie, in Myanmar, 201567