Working for peanuts

The peanut industry in Burma is a vital part of the country's economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of farmers and workers. peanuts are grown in all of Burma's 14 states and regions, with the majority of production taking place in the dry zone, where the climate is ideal for peanut cultivation.

Burma is the world's second-largest producer of peanuts, after India, and the crop is an important source of income for smallholder farmers. In recent years, the industry has been growing rapidly, with production increasing by more than 50% between 2010 and 2016. This growth has been driven by strong demand from both the domestic and international markets.

The peanut industry in Burma employs a large number of people, both in the agricultural sector and in the processing and export of peanuts. In 2016, there were an estimated 4,000 peanut farmers in Burma, and the industry as a whole employed around 20,000 people.

The vast majority of Burma's peanuts are exported, with the majority going to China. In 2016, Burma exported nearly 400,000 tonnes of peanuts, worth an estimated $US200 million. Other major export destinations include India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

The peanut industry in Burma faces a number of challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and skilled labor, and limited access to markets. In addition, the industry is highly dependent on the weather, and peanut yields can be affected by droughts and floods. Despite these challenges, the industry continues to grow and play an important role in the country's economy.