Myanmar : Yangon Region grows sugarcane for export
Myanmar’s Yangon Region exceeded its 2026–27 sugarcane planting target, cultivating 3,436 acres for sugar and 511 acres of chewing cane. Higher cane prices and strong export demand to China and India continue to support profitable sugarcane production for farmers.
A total of 3,436 acres of sugarcane for sugar production and export, along with 511 acres of chewing cane, have been cultivated in Yangon Region, exceeding the original cultivation targets, according to the Yangon Region Department of Agriculture.
For the 2026-2027 financial year, the region had targeted the cultivation of 3,381 acres of sugarcane for sugar production and 507 acres of chewing cane. By the end of July, farmers planted 3,436 acres of sugarcane and 511 acres of chewing cane, surpassing the planned acreage.
Sugarcane is being cultivated in Gonnyintan, Kywebote, Magayi, Chingon and the Okkan Seed Farm in Taikkyi Township, while the locally grown chewing cane is cultivated in Hlegu Township. Foreign sugarcane varieties, including K95/84, KK-3 and K2000/89, and the high-yield Dar-4 variety developed by the Department of Agricultural Research, are being grown as monsoon crops. Sugarcane planted in November last year is scheduled to be harvested starting in late October.
As sugarcane is a year-round crop, harvesting takes place from October through January, after which replanting is carried out immediately. Sugarcane for sugar production is replanted using stem cuttings, while chewing cane is replanted using the upper portions of the stalks.
“Myanmar uses molasses produced from domestically grown sugarcane for local consumption, while the sugar is exported, generating foreign exchange earnings. Sugarcane is also a profitable crop for farmers because it commands a good market price,” said U Myo Myint, deputy director of the department.
Sugarcane is processed into sugar and molasses, while bagasse – the fibrous residue left after crushing – is used to produce organic fertilizer.
Last year, sugarcane sold for K160,000 per tonne, while the current market price has risen to K200,000 per tonne. Average yield stands at 20.86 tonnes per acre.
Magway and Mandalay regions are Myanmar’s principal sugarcane-producing areas. In Yangon Region, sugarcane is also cultivated alongside rice as an export crop. Chewing cane is commonly sold as fresh sugarcane juice in Yangon during the cool season.
Sugarcane for processing is used to produce molasses for beverages and other food products, while refined sugar produced from boiled cane juice is supplied for domestic consumption and exported overseas. Most sugarcane and chewing cane in Yangon Region are cultivated around the Okkan Sugar Mill. Sugar produced from processing sugarcane is exported mainly to China and India.
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Source : The GNLM
