In Myanmar’s Khanaung village, farmers have begun plowing as the rainy season begins. They rely mainly on the seasonal monsoon to fill their paddies with water for growing rice.
While traditional methods are still used for growing rice, tractors have made an impact. Myo Min Soe/RFA In the past, only cattle were used for plowing, but many have been replaced with small tractors. Myo Min Soe/RFA However, in some cases, oxen are still used. Myo Min Soe/RFA More than 40 percent of Myanmar’s agricultural production is devoted to rice. Myo Min Soe/RFA Most of the planting, harvesting and maintenance is done by hand. Myo Min Soe/RFA In the 1950s and 1960s, Myanmar was the world’s latest exporter of rice. Myo Min Soe/RFA Myanmar is still one of the top 10 rice producers in the world. Myo Min Soe/RFA Rice seeds are hurled into the paddies by hand. Myo Min Soe/RFA Workers return from the paddies after a hard day’s work. Myo Min Soe/RFA The rice being planted now will be harvested in the late fall. Myo Min Soe/RFA
