Interview
Border News Agency
Mrauk-U, September 24

In areas under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), local farmers have begun cultivating winter crops.

However, they say they are facing numerous challenges, including shortages of fertilizers, pesticides, and access to proper farming techniques.

U Saw Nu, a farmer from Pan Maw village in Mrauk-U Township who cultivates chili plants, shared the difficulties they are currently facing.

“This year, the chili plantations haven’t been doing well. Many plants died and were damaged because of heavy rainfall. Normally, at this time of year, we would already be harvesting chili peppers, but this year we haven’t even begun harvesting yet. Many farmers didn’t grow chili this season. Due to difficulties in getting fertilizers, some farmers can’t apply enough to their fields. Those who can afford it use as much as they can, while those who can’t simply use less or none at all. Because of this shortage of fertilizers, the plants aren’t growing properly. Farmers are facing many hardships in their livelihoods.”

“Last year, even if the market price for chilies wasn’t good, we were still able to harvest and sell them, which kept some cash flow going. But this year, many farmers have ended up losing their entire investment. We haven’t been able to harvest a single chili yet. The plants were damaged or died, and we’ve had to buy new ones for 500 to 600 kyats each just to replace them. Farmers are facing many kinds of hardships like this.”

“What farmers mainly need are soil nutrients and fertilizers. They also need pesticides, as well as proper techniques and systematic methods for cultivation.
If these needs are met, I believe it will make things much easier for the farmers.”

“Regarding chili farming, farmers are really struggling. If there is a bad year and the crops don’t do well, it often leads to significant losses. Every year, we have simply relied on this work, growing chilies as our main source of livelihood. Our families depend on chili cultivation for food and survival. What we mainly need are soil nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, and proper farming techniques. We want these things to be provided and support to be given to farmers.”

“This year, it’s still too early to say what the market price will be. In previous years, the price per viss went as high as 2,000 kyats. Farmers have suffered significant losses as a result. We would like to see the prices raised a little, especially for wholesale markets. The main issue is the market price, only when the price is high will the farmers who cultivate chilies be able to earn a fair profit.”