TCF POST Report
MAGWAY – In a move to strengthen the national economy, Myanmar is doubling down on its cotton sector, aiming to transition from domestic self-sufficiency to a major export-oriented industry.
At a seminar titled “From Cotton Cultivation towards Textile Industry,” held on July 12, in Magway, President U Min Aung Hlaing outlined a strategic roadmap to revitalize cotton production, citing its potential to generate approximately US$500 million in additional export revenue.
Scaling Up: A Path to Recovery
The government’s latest figures highlight a significant turnaround in the cotton sector. After a sharp decline in the 2019-2020 financial year, where cultivation dropped to roughly 400,000 acres, the industry has seen steady growth under current state initiatives.
| Financial Year | Cultivated Area (Acres) | Average Yield (Viss per Acre) |
| 2021-2022 | > 390,000 | 436 |
| 2025-2026 | > 540,000 | 499.2 |
The country’s total cotton production for the 2025-2026 season surpassed 27.43 million viss, that is equivalent to approximately 44,711 metric tonnes, or roughly 263,005 standard international bales (based on the 170 kg standard).
At current market prices of US$1,800 to US$1,900 per tonne, this production represents an estimated economic value of US$80.48 million to US$84.95 million.
Building on this momentum, the government has set an ambitious target of 700 viss per acre. To support this growth, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, along with other key departments, is scaling up support for farmers, including the implementation of solar-powered irrigation and the introduction of advanced machinery.
Addressing Modern Challenges
The President acknowledged that labor shortages are a significant hurdle for the agricultural sector. To mitigate this, the government is actively promoting the use of modern technology, such as automated feed seeders, to ensure sowing remains on schedule and efficiency is maintained despite the labor landscape.
Future Goals and Quality Standards
Beyond mere volume, the government is pushing for higher standards to ensure Myanmar’s cotton meets international market requirements. During his visit to the Regional Research Centre in Magway, the President emphasized the necessity of producing quality-certified seeds and utilizing technologies like Nano-treatment chambers to enhance exportable traits such as color and quality.
“The development of agro-based industries is a priority for this tenure,” the President stated, calling for concerted efforts among officials, seed producers, and farmers to achieve a projected cultivation target of 747,000 acres by the 2027-2028 financial year.
Strengthening Global Partnerships for Seed Innovation
In a concerted effort to modernize the sector, the Myanmar Cotton and Cotton Products Merchants and Manufacturers Association has actively pursued international collaborations to improve seed quality.
In March 2026, the association—alongside representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Myanmar’s economic counsellors—engaged in high-level discussions with the International Federation of Business Intellectuals and Changemakers (IFBIC). The dialogue focused on sourcing long-staple, non-hybrid cotton varieties from India that are specifically adapted to Myanmar’s climate and soil conditions.
Simultaneously, the association has coordinated with the Republic of Uzbekistan to secure high-yielding, pest-free cotton seed varieties. These initiatives are designed to bridge the significant price gap between premium and non-premium cotton by ensuring that farmers have access to pedigree seeds, which are essential for achieving the targeted per-acre yields and maximizing export competitiveness.
