Myanmar Takes a Big Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture with Solar-Powered Rice Mills

Myanmar is gearing up for a sustainable future in agriculture with the introduction of solar power in its rice mills. The Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has initiated a project to operate 28 rice mills across the country on solar energy, with a significant focus on reducing reliance on diesel and promoting eco-friendly production. This move is in line with international markets' growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products. As China and European countries are major buyers of Myanmar's rice, the use of solar power is expected to enable premium pricing and improve product quality. The initiative has already received support from 17 Chinese solar companies, with plans to sign seven more.

Key Takeaways:

• Twenty-eight rice mills across Myanmar will operate on solar energy in the current fiscal year 2025-26, with four mills having completed installation as of July 29, 2025.
• The initiative aims to reduce reliance on diesel by up to 70% and promote eco-friendly production in line with global sustainability and net-zero goals.
• Solar adoption is expected to improve rice production value chain by 10 to 20%, contributing to food security and economic growth.
• China and European countries are major buyers of Myanmar's rice, with around 500,000 tons and 700,000 tons imported annually, respectively.
• Using solar energy reduces operational costs and maintenance expenses for rice mills, enabling them to maintain full production capacity.
• U Ye Min Aung, chairman of MRF, highlighted the importance of awareness and training programs to ensure proper use and maintenance of solar equipment.

Statistics:

• 28 rice mills across Myanmar will operate on solar energy in the current fiscal year 2025-26.
• Four rice mills have completed installation of solar equipment as of July 29, 2025.
• Up to 70% reduction in reliance on diesel is expected through use of solar power.
• Myanmar expects to improve its rice production value chain by 10 to 20% through clean energy adoption.
• Around 500,000 tons of Myanmar rice are imported by China annually, while European countries import approximately 700,000 tons.
• Myanmar's top rice exporter, Shwe Wah Yaung rice mill, exports around 400,000 tons annually.

Sources:

• "Myanmar takes big step towards sustainable agriculture with solar power in rice mills," Xinhua, July 29, 2025 via COMTEX.
• Interview with U Ye Min Aung, chairman of MRF, as mentioned in the article.
• Comments from Naing Zaw, sales and marketing supervisor of Shwe Wah Yaung Solar Company, as mentioned in the article.
• Comments from U Htun Myint, factory manager at Shwe Wah Yaung rice mill, as mentioned in the article.