Myanmar’s rice bowl endangered in the stench of war
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Tun Mon Thet (NP News) - Dec 22
Unstoppable and expansion of war zone
The Ayeyarwady Region, known as the “Rice Bowl of Myanmar” for its vast paddy fields and abundant rice production, is now engulfed in the stench of war as the Myanmar Tatmadaw is defeated by the Rakhine armed terrorists group Arakan Army (AA) in many townships and districts in Rakhine State.
As of December 20, 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of major cities in Rakhine State, including Ma-ei, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Ponnakyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ramree, Thandwe, and Toungup. Only Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and a few island cities remain under the governance of the State Administration Council. As a result, the AA's military offensives are now posing a significant threat to the Ayeyarwady Region, which had enjoyed nearly four years in peace following the 2021 political transition.
Currently, Gwa Township in southern Rakhine State is the only remaining area yet to fall under the control of the AA. Furthermore, the AA has already seized Paletwa in Chin State, a strategic location near the Rakhine State border.
The Ayeyarwady Region is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Kayin, Rakhine, and other tribes. This delta region lies between the Bay of Bengal to the west and the Andaman Sea to the east, sharing borders with Rakhine State, Bago Region, and Yangon Region. Pathein serves as the region's capital.
Country’s primary source of rice
The Ayeyarwady Region plays a vital role in the country's agricultural economy, producing a significant share of the rice – the country’s main nutrition. It supplies various grades of rice—premium, average, and low-quality—as well as broken rice and parboiled rice, for both domestic consumption and export. Among the most renowned rice varieties from this region are Myaungmya Paw San, Pyapon Paw San, Pathein Paw San, and Kyarpyan, all renowned for their very good quality.
Rice is Myanmar’s primary agricultural product and a fundamental part of the nation’s nutritious factor. While it is cultivated across many regions, including Sagaing, Magway, Bago, Mandalay, and Kayin, ongoing armed conflicts have disrupted production elsewhere. As a result, the Ayeyarwady Region has become a critical supplier, meeting both national and export demands for rice.
Will the picturesque beaches soon be stained by conflict?
The Ayeyarwady Region has many scenic beaches and resorts. In recent years, destinations like Ngwesaung, Chaungtha, Shwe Thaungyan, Ngwe Thaungyan, and Kantharyar have become the top choices for many Myanmar families of middle-class status seeking a serene and safe holiday. These sandy, unspoiled beaches offer comfort and relaxation while many cultural, historical, and religiously rich destinations across the rest of the country at the moment are covered with full of armed conflicts. Therefore, while other areas face uncertainty, these beaches have remained tranquil retreats for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Myanmar’s coastline.
Armed tensions have escalated in the areas bordering Rakhine State and the Ayeyarwady Region, with both Myanmar military forces and AA insurgents placing their troops on high alert. Strategic locations such as Thidakonepyin, Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi, Ah Thoke, Kyonpyaw, and Thabaung in the Ayeyarwady Region are now under heightened surveillance. Reports indicate that a significant number of AA soldiers have infiltrated the region disguised as civilians, raising security concerns.
Compounding the instability, the PDF terrorists recently announced the formation of the No. 2 Sub-Military Division for the southern region in Ayeyarwady. This move signals an expansion of their forces in alliance with ethnocentric armed terrorist groups, including the Arakan Army (AA), the Kokang (MNDAA), and the Ta’ang (TNLA).
These developments point to a growing threat to the region's stability and security.