Myanmar’s economy remains dependent on its agriculture sector, which contributes to around 30% of GDP and employs 56% of the workforce. While lagging infrastructure and technology remains a concern, Myanmar’s large internal market, diverse climate, abundance of virgin land and strategic geographic location provides promising business opportunities.

Since the inception of One to Watch’s (OTW) operations in Myanmar, we have always seen immense potential in traditional agri businesses. Given the right business development support to transform their business, traditional agri SMEs have potential to become investible inclusive businesses. Today, OTW is proud to feature two traditional agri businesses with high impact potential that we will be working with in the coming months. The following companies will be receiving customized need-based support to address key gaps in their businesses:

Golden Pineapple specializes in producing quality fresh and value-added fruit products (canned, dried and juiced) for both local and export markets. Operating and sourcing from contract farmers in Northern Shan State, Golden Pineapple aims to create jobs and contribute to the development of the region through the gradual expansion of their business. With close ties to the local pineapple association, the company connects famers with NGOs and development organizations and offers Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and organic certification training to association members.

Myint Myat Taw Win (MMTW) Magway Co., Ltd brokers the sale of sesame, peanuts, and GAP certified mung beans between farming collectives and companies based in Yangon and Mandalay that export to international markets such as China, Thailand, and the European Union (EU). The company provides a one-stop service for farmers: offering financing options, training in GAP farming techniques, establishing connections to buyers of GAP certified produce, warehousing, and market connections. Through partnerships with NGOs and public sector players, MMTW has successfully generated awareness in smallholder farmers on the overall trading processes while encouraging them to adopt GAP farming standards.

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[1] Myanmar agricultural and development strategy and investment plan (2018-19), The Government of the Republic    of the Union of Myanmar, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation