Myanmar Golden Phoenix News: On the morning of August 25, Prime Minister U Nyo Soe, Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Development Committee, chaired the 4/2025 meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation in Naypyidaw. The meeting noted that expanding oilseed crop cultivation is of practical significance for ensuring domestic edible oil supply and promoting exports. Therefore, the government has designated areas for the cultivation of major oilseed crops such as peanuts, sesame, and sunflowers. Myanmar has a population of approximately 51.3 million and an annual demand for edible oil of approximately 500,000 tons. Currently, the production of peanuts, sesame, sunflower seeds, rye, and rapeseed meets domestic consumption. Peanuts and sesame are also exported, but edible oil shortages persist. To reduce dependence on imports and lower foreign exchange expenditures, expanding sunflower seed cultivation is considered a viable path. Sunflower seeds, with their high yield, short growing season, and ease of cultivation, can contribute to increased economic returns. The conference noted that promoting sunflower cultivation could also help shift farmers away from monocultures dominated by rice and legumes, encouraging crop diversification. Research has shown that sunflower crop rotation has a positive impact on maintaining soil fertility. Because peanut oil production costs are high, leading to high market prices, comprehensive policies are needed to expand oilseed crop cultivation, making edible oil affordable for consumers while ensuring the continued operation of local oil mills. Crop selection logic crop Yield potential Economic benefits Ecological benefits sunflower 1.2 tons/mu High returns Nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility peanut 0.8 tons/mu Export advantages Crop rotation is required to prevent continuous cropping problems Sesame 0.6 tons/mu Drought tolerance Shallow root system reduces soil erosion According to the relevant plan, Myanmar will expand oilseed crop cultivation and increase unit yields under the guidance of relevant state and regional governments. In June 2025, the Magway Region Department of Agriculture announced plans to establish two special oilseed production zones: the first zone encompassing Magway, Shwe Pu, and Aung Lan counties, and the second zone encompassing Minbu and Thaye counties. The planned oilseed crop cultivation area in these two special zones exceeds 2.4 million acres, primarily peanuts, sesame, and sunflowers.