Constraints on Sustainable Growth in Agricultural Production in the Dry Zone of Myanmar

Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate changes in crop productivity and constraints in sustainable agricultural production in the area under Lat Pan Chay Paw irrigation projects located in Nyaung Oo township of dry zone of Myanmar. Questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. The findings of the study showed that double and triple cropping systems were the major cropping systems in areas where irrigation water was accessed from the canal while single cropping was dominant in areas where irrigation water was accessed from private open wells. The farmers who used irrigation water from the canals were more likely to make profit through intensive agriculture than those from open wells. The major constraints in agricultural production in the study sites were labor scarcity and financial problems. Moreover, irrigation water shortage and conflicts in sharing of irrigation water were main issues in canal irrigated areas while high irrigation costs prevailed in private open wells. Therefore, this study recommends the water use efficiency, uniform distribution of water and formulation of better irrigation schedules for sustainable agricultural production.