Cost and Return Comparison between Paw San Rice and Non-Paw San Rice Production in Myanmar

Abstract

To increase farm income by improving yields and reducing cultivation costs of agricultural production implies suitable crop variety, application of appropriate technology, correct crop management practices, and adequate level of inputs. Myanmar’s premium rice, Paw San Mhwe, is awarded the World Best Rice at the World Rice Conference in 2011 in accordance with its distinctive characters such as the excellent eating quality with soft texture, delightful fragrance, white color with wet-polished, and especially elongation (three times longer than the original size after cooking). The domestic prices of Paw San rice in Myanmar are much higher than normal ones because of its preferred quality by Myanmar consumers. Paw San rice cultivation therefore is still preferred by some farmers; however, due to its lower yield than low-quality, high yielding varieties, the cultivation of Paw San Rice may not suggest higher income for farmers. This study aims at comparing the economic conditions between Paw San rice and other rice by using cost and return analysis. It is found that Paw San rice variety receives higher price than non-Paw San varieties. Due to its lower yield and vulnerability to diseases, the revenue and profit can be lower than non-Paw San rice. To improve Myanmar rice farmers’ income, this study suggests that improvement of yield and resistance traits of Paw San rice should be considered for Paw San rice breeding research.