Farmers in Myanmar anticipate a potential rise in yam prices, prompting considerations for plantation expansion. While the number of yam farmers has declined, concerns over raw material shortages in the coming years are leading some to seek secure areas for cultivation.
Ko Salai from Cherrymye Yam Trading in Mindat Township explained that yam plantation areas have significantly decreased. "Yam is mainly grown in highland areas, but plantations have drastically declined in 2025. This could lead to a raw material shortage in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Chin State, a major yam producer, is now unable to cultivate, so prices may increase if production shifts to other areas," he said.
Yam cultivation requires minimal maintenance. Farmers in Shan State's Pindaya and Ywangan regions typically plant yams, clear weeds, and harvest the roots later. In November 2024, a significant number of farmers in southern Ye Township turned to yam cultivation for commercial purposes. A yam farm in the region could generate approximately $15,000, with higher yields and better pricing compared to other areas.
Source: The Global