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Optimal Cropping Patterns in the Kingda Dam Irrigated Area, Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Thesis Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the optimal cropping patterns at the farm level in the Kingda dam irrigated area, Mandalay Division, Myanmar. Specifically, the study aimed to (1) describe the existing cropping patterns in the study area; (2) compare the profitability of existing crops and cropping patterns among rice farms by farm site in each Agricultural Extension Site (AES); (3) determine the optimal crop combinations or cropping patterns at the farm level for different farm sizes in various AESs given land, family labor, and capital constraints; (4) identify the production constraints of rice farmers in the study area; and (5) recommend policies to improve farmers’ income and land use patterns in irrigated lands based on the findings of the study.
The study covered five AESs in Myitthar township. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. A total of 105 rice farmers from five AES were personally interviewed using pre-tested questionnaires.
The analytical techniques employed in this study were descriptive, cost and returns analysis, linear programming (LP), and sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the effects of selected policy variables in the optimal farm plans by type of farm in each AES.
Results of cost and returns analysis of food crops and cropping patterns showed that chili and corn were the most profitable crops, and sesame frequently gave higher benefit-cost-ratio (BCR) compared with other crops. Generally, nonrice-basedcropping patterns had higher returns above variable costs (RAVC) than rice-based cropping patterns.
LP results showed that the most profitable cropping pattern in all categories in Yitkan AES was the rice-chili cropping pattern.
In the optimal farm plants by farm category in Myoma AES, LP results revealed that the most profitable cropping patterns were as follows: (1) typical small farm – onion-rice, (2) typical medium farm – onion-chili, and (3) typical large farm – onionrice.
As regards to the optimal farm plants based on LP results, the recommended cropping patterns that will maximize farm profits in Thilin AES would be: (1) typical small farm – onion-rice, (2) typical medium farm – rice-onion, and (3) typical large farm – onion-chili.
In Kume AES, LP results showed that the most profitable cropping patterns by farm category were as follows: (1) typical small farm – rice/pulses-sesame, (2) typical medium farm – rice-chili, and (3) typical large farm – rice-pulses.
With regard to the optimal farms in Mine Maw, LP results indicated that the most profitable cropping patterns by farm category were the following: (1) typical small farm – rice/pulses-rice/sesame, (2) typical medium farm – rice/pulses-chili, and (3) typical large farm – rice/pulses-chili.
Findings of the study also revealed that the optimal solutions (RAVC) particularly in Kume and Mine Maw, which are among the major cotton-producing areas in Myitthar township, were more sensitive to simultaneous changes in cotton yield and cotton price as well as the removal of input subsidies to cotton than to a change in cotton price alone, but with input subsidies for this crop and a change in cotton price, but without input subsidies.
Based on the results of the study, the following policy recommendations were suggested: (1) provide more extension and credit support to cotton growers, (2) continue imposing a no fallow land policy and minimum rice area policy, (3) encourage more rice farmers to grow high-value crops, (4) develop and promote efficient farm machinery and equipment such as onion harvester to minimize labor cost, and (5) promote the use of high-yielding varieties of chili by putting up demonstration farms and by making HYV seeds readily available to farmers.