"Myanmar once held the distinction of being the world’s largest exporter of rice, accounting for one-third of the global rice trade in 1934-35. However, post-independence nationalisation of the industry resulted in a vicious cycle where low-quality inputs led to low-quality outputs, which soon became uncompetitive in the international market. Reforms to the sector and the wider economy over the past decade have led to a revival of Myanmar’s rice export industry. With a target set by the Myanmar Rice Federation to achieve four million tonnes in exports by 2020-21, it is vital to build on this momentum by addressing the critical challenges that remain for the industry. Of the many challenges facing the rice sector in Myanmar, issues of productivity and quality are key.....Productivity along the supply chain: Low productivity at the farm level contributes to low yields in Myanmar’s rice industry. Many determinants of farm-level productivity relate to inputs, including seed, fertiliser and irrigation. Since 1977, the Myanmar government has promoted high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice seed. However, the performance of HYVs in the country is frequently undermined by factors such as relying on harvested paddy for seed – which leads to seed degeneration over time – improper fertiliser use, insufficient irrigation and lack of drainage facilities..."