Sesame Market Systems Development in Myanmar

Ma Khin Mar Htay is from a farming family in Magway Township, Myanmar, located in the country’s arid Central Dry Zone, an area known for its sesame production. In the past, farmers like Htay have been unable to earn good prices for their sesame, in part due to quality issues but also because they lacked export markets. But that dynamic is changing. With support from USAID’s Value Chains for Rural Development project, implemented by Winrock International, sesame farmers are adopting new agricultural practices and earning quality premiums from export buyers. In this video, Htay explains how smallholder sesame farmers are organizing into groups like the Sesame Farmers Development Association, which allows them to attract financing and investment, offer tractor rentals and discounted purchases of improved inputs, and negotiate deals directly with buyers. With support from USAID and Winrock, smallholder farmers are contributing to inclusive, agriculture-led economic growth in Myanmar.
Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development, providing solutions to some of the world’s most complex social, agricultural and environmental challenges. Inspired by its namesake Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock’s mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources. Winrock combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to improve lives around the globe.
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