ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the current status and challenges in Myanmar's agricultural sector. Agriculture commands the largest share of Myanmar's economy, comprising about 40 per cent of its GDP. The chapter reviews the characteristics of Myanmar's agricultural sector and policies since the Socialist period and the military regime, because the sector's long-term stagnating performances and emerging current problems have deep roots in policies from those periods. It discusses the major agricultural reforms under the Thein Sein government, followed by challenges that emerged in the process of reforms. The chapter provides challenges for the new National League for Democracy (NLD) government for achieving sound agricultural development. The Thein Sein government's economic reform had two main objectives: industrialisation by promoting foreign direct investment, and reduction of poverty. The Thein Sein government's agricultural reforms were characterised by a shift of policy emphasis, guided by the precepts of 'protection of farmers' rights', 'modernisation of agriculture' and 'poverty reduction'.
