Farmers in the areas controlled by the Arakan Army have reported difficulties in purchasing seeds and fertilizers for their agricultural activities. They state that international assistance is needed due to the challenges they are facing in acquiring these essential supplies.
Since the start of the Arakan war on November 13, 2023, the military junta has blocked all roads and waterways in Arakan, effectively restricting transportation and trade. All forms of commercial movement have also been restricted.
As a result, farmers have reported significant difficulties in purchasing rice, seeds, and fertilizers for agricultural production in the areas they cultivate.
A farmer from Maungdaw Township told Border News Agency, “The current situation of the conflict is bad, and we can’t even find water pipes. We can’t find seeds either, and the prices are high. A small amount costs so much. I still face many difficulties. I need to buy supplies for myself, but the challenges make it hard to buy what I need. I hope the NGOs can provide some assistance, even if it’s just a little.”
Farmers in Arakan who are engaged in paddy farming have reported facing significant challenges due to climate change and technological difficulties. They have stated that these issues are making agricultural activities increasingly difficult.
Due to climate change, the last monsoon season saw the destruction of paddy crops in Arakan. Additionally, a lack of sufficient water for winter crops has caused further difficulties for farmers, according to their statements.
A farmer engaged in agriculture from Maungdaw Township told Border News Agency, “I’m getting older now, and I can’t work as hard as I used to. It’s difficult to hire help. The only support I’ve received is in the form of seeds, but they are not enough. Due to the shortage, I have to buy more, but the seeds are expensive. Even if I want to buy them, I can’t afford it, and I have to travel a long distance to get them. The transportation costs are also high. These are the difficulties I’m facing.”
Farmers in the areas controlled by the Arakan Army have stated that they need assistance to access seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary agricultural supplies, as well as water resources for their crops.
In addition, due to the inability to use modern technology and pesticides in their agricultural work, they face challenges such as poor crop growth and pest infestations, according to the farmers.
Farmers have stated that the prices of essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, plant growth enhancers, and fruit and flower sprays, have skyrocketed by three to six times. Additionally, these items are difficult to obtain, making it even harder for farmers to continue their work. They are facing significant difficulties as a result.
A farmer from Maungdaw Township told Border News Agency, “It’s hard to farm during this period. The crops were destroyed by the storm and flooding. Even though my two sons are working, it’s still not enough. We had to buy bamboo. The seeds don’t sprout when we plant them. Pesticides are also very expensive. A small bottle costs about 10,000 kyats, and we need two bottles to cover a whole field. In the past, I borrowed money from others to buy it. Now, I need help from international organizations. For farming, I need fertilizers, and seeds. I’m asking for assistance from international donors.”
The Arakan Army has fully controlled the Arakan-India and Arakan-Bangladesh borders, which allows international humanitarian aid to be delivered across the borders, according to the people of Arakan.
The United Nations is also working to ensure that international humanitarian assistance for the Arakan region can be delivered through Bangladesh, and efforts are being made to facilitate aid across the border, as stated during discussions in Bangladesh.
In the ongoing Arakan war, the Arakan Army has completely controlled several Townships, including Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathetaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Minbra, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa Townships, as well as the Paletwa region.
According to the people of Arakan, in these areas under the control of the Arakan Army, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has been carrying out administrative functions and reconstruction efforts.
