Bigger Pulse Crop in Myanmar

WASHINGTON - May 11/09 - SNS -- Dry edible bean and pulse production is expected to increase in the coming season in Myanmar in response to attractive prices and strong export demand from India and China.

In a recent report on the country's pulse sector, the U.S. agricultural attache for Myanmar said pulse output will be likely reach 5.2 million metric tons (MT) in 2009-10, up 2% from 5.1 million MT in the 2008-09 mainly because relatively attractive return from cultivation should encourage area expansion.

Myanmar grows eighteen varieties of pulses for domestic consumption and export. Matpe, Mung bean, Chickpea, Cowpea, Toor Whole (Pigeon pea), Black Eye beans, Small white beans and Butter beans (Lima beans) are the major export varieties. Meanwhile, Mung beans, Toor Whole (Pigeon pea), Matpe dominate the large portion of total area, followed by Chickpea, and Black eye bean (Pelun).

Mung beans constitute 25% of the total area, Matpe 23% and Toor Whole (Pigeon pea) 14% respectively. The rest are Chick peas and Black eye bean (Pelun) Although beans and pulses are grown throughout Myanmar, 90% of the total production area is centered in the Irrawaddy, Magwe, Pegu, Mandalay, Sagaing and Rangoon divisions.

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