Dutch demo greenhouse in Myanmar

Since 2013 Myanmar has been a country in transition that, after decades of isolation, is undergoing major economic, political and social changes. Thanks to a diversity of climate zones and soil types, Myanmar offers plenty of opportunities for the horticultural sector. Because of an increase in the number of tourists, economic growth and the arrival of international supermarkets and hotels and catering chains, the demand for high-quality vegetables is rising rapidly. In comparison with countries in the region such as Thailand and Vietnam, however, the level of knowledge and the production are still relatively low. With better starting material such as vegetable seeds, crop protection and fertilizers in combination with targeted training in cultivation techniques, the local vegetable growers can achieve higher yields and therefore secure higher incomes.

Since 2015, a Dutch consortium consisting of Larive International, Rijk Zwaan, Koppert, Priva, VEK Advisory Group and DLV GreenQ has invested in strengthening the horticulture chain in Myanmar. The consortium has signed agreements with the largest retailer in the country, for the supply of products such as peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers from local growers. The developed demonstration greenhouse aims to show growers and buyers the possibilities for cultivating good quality vegetables in Myanmar and to share the products and knowledge to achieve this.

Matthias Brienen, director of Larive and coordinator of the consortium: "Myanmar has a huge potential for vegetable cultivation. Besides a strong local demand, neighboring countries China and India also offer appealing export possibilities. By introducing knowledge on more intensive production systems, Myanmar can become self-sufficient and can strengthen their competitive position in the region. Thanks to an integrated chain approach, we support growers in improving their production and offer them better access to the market."

Rens Knieriem, business manager South-East Asia of Rijk Zwaan: "Growers in Myanmar have great ambitions to move ahead. Our vegetable varieties enable them to take major steps forward, because these varieties reach high production levels, are resistant to diseases and are focused on the wishes of the market. In addition we also offer training for the growers and information about propagation systems, nutrition and crop protection. This contributes to more food security, higher incomes and reduction of the use of crop protection products."

This cooperation is also made possible by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), part of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs, within the framework of a support program of the German government for the economic development of Myanmar. The consortium has the ambition to strengthen its position in Myanmar and possibly to expand to other regions in the country. With this the consortium will contribute to a further strengthening of the horticultural sector in Myanmar.