2016 in MYANMAR: 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program

Objective:
Myanmar’s recent economic opening has provided new opportunities also for the fertilizer industry and their supply chain partners. In this project we will conceptualize and implement a market development program for Myanmar, together with one of IPNI’s member companies.

Timeline:
Implementation is between 2014 and 2017 in Myanmar.

Treatment overview:
During the first two years, i.e. between 2014 and 2015, the program will encompass the production of educational 4R Nutrient Stewardship materials, conceptualize, prepare and deliver a 4R seminar series in Myanmar. Initially, direct impact will be generated for the local business partners of IPNI member companies by developing materials that support in tandem fertilizer market and sustainable agricultural development. Eventually, we expect our work to generate yield and income increases for farmers who deploy the 4R concepts. Furthermore, the program engagement strategy will have large scale outreach into various commodities and engages diverse key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Results to date:
During 2014 and 2015 the program has delivered seminars to commodity industry groups and government institutions on 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The program has developed and published a successful series of field handbooks for 4R based nutrient management. To date the book series includes books for maize, sugarcane, watermelon, oil palm, table grapes, mango and rice. In 2016 institutional networking took place in the country. A partnership with government, local academic and development organizations has been set up in order to start on the ground trial work in 2018, based on a fertilizer market and opportunity assessment that will take place in 2017. In 2017, we plan to undertake a fertilizer market assessment, which will identify most significant 4R R&D opportunities in terms of regions, commodities, processes and fertilizer industry demands.

Summary:
We expect this program to generate significant benefits for the farming and agricultural business community in a country that is considered as a potential agricultural powerhouse but where currently little information is available to realize this vision. IPNI and partners will make a difference in this ambitious process.