Optimal cropping patterns in the Kingda dam irrigated area, Mandalay Division, Myanmar

Results of cost and return analysis of crops and cropping patterns showed that chilli and onion were the most profitable crops and sesame frequently gave higher BCR [benefit cost ratio] compared to other crops. Generally, non-rice-based cropping patterns have higher RAVC than rice-based cropping patterns. LP results showed that the most profitable cropping pattern in all farm categories in Yitkan AES was the rice-chilli cropping pattern. In the optimal farm plans 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-chilli, and 3.) typical large farm-onion-rice. As regards to the optimal farm plans 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-chilli. 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-chilli; 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-chilli; and 3.) typical large farm-rice/pulses-chilli. 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 Myitthartownship, 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 chilli by putting up demonstration farms and by making HYV seeds readily available to farmers