In the fight to protect Myanmar’s crops from devastating diseases, the Plant Protection Division (PPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI) has emerged as a critical force. Armed with scientific research, field diagnostics, and farmer-focused interventions, PPD’s plant pathology unit has not only managed disease outbreaks but has also elevated Myanmar’s agricultural … Read more
Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is rapidly transforming agricultural systems across Southeast Asia. One of its most pressing yet often under-recognized consequences is the shift in pest and disease dynamics. From erratic outbreaks to the emergence of new invasive species, farmers are now grappling with unpredictable challenges that directly threaten food security, … Read more
As Myanmar continues to build a sustainable agricultural future, one method is gaining momentum for its ecological, economic, and long-term impact — biological control. Unlike chemical pesticides, which often pose risks to the environment, human health, and beneficial species, biological control uses natural enemies like predators, parasites, and pathogens to manage harmful pests. This method … Read more
Myanmar, a country with a rich agricultural heritage, relies heavily on rice not just as a staple food but also as a key export commodity. Covering over 6 million hectares of farmland, rice plays a central role in both rural livelihoods and national food security. However, this vital crop is under constant threat from a … Read more
Introduction As agricultural trade expands across Southeast Asia, the risk of introducing invasive pests and plant diseases has grown significantly. Effective plant quarantine systems are essential to safeguarding biosecurity, ensuring compliance with international standards, and protecting local ecosystems. This article presents a comparative study of plant quarantine practices in Myanmar and its ASEAN neighbors, examining … Read more
Introduction With the increasing frequency of pest outbreaks and the growing threats of invasive species, the role of Regional Plant Protection Offices (RPPOs) has become more critical than ever. These offices act as the frontline defenders in safeguarding agricultural health, biosecurity, and trade standards. Their establishment under national frameworks reflects a decentralized yet strategically coordinated … Read more
Introduction In the complex web of agricultural development, collaboration between research and regulatory institutions is vital. In Myanmar, the Plant Protection Division (PPD) and the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) have emerged as two crucial arms working toward sustainable agriculture and food security. While DAR leads in scientific innovations and research, PPD ensures that findings … Read more
Myanmar’s agricultural sector, which supports nearly 70% of the population, faces major pest challenges that threaten food security, incomes, and the environment. In response, the country has steadily embraced Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a holistic, environmentally sensitive approach that combines biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably. This article dives into how IPM … Read more