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Rice seeds Seeds Varieties in Myanmar

Rice Seed Varieties in Myanmar

Sin Thiha |

          In the past, rice varieties were classified under the local or traditional variety group. These were typically cultivated only during the monsoon season. In contrast, the rice varieties cultivated in both monsoon and summer seasons today fall under the High Yielding Variety (HYV) group.

        Following the 1960s, the world witnessed the emergence of new crop varieties and technologies as part of the Green Revolution. Among its outcomes was the development of new rice varieties. In Myanmar, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines, many new rice varieties were researched and developed.

These new varieties were referred to as High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) because they produced higher yields per acre than traditional varieties.

Traditional Variety Group

Not only in Myanmar, but also across much of South and Southeast Asia—regions dependent on monsoon rainfall for cultivation—farmers have historically grown traditional rice varieties for centuries and continue to do so today.

There are four key characteristics of traditional rice varieties:

  1. Photoperiod Sensitivity: Traditional rice varieties respond to changes in daylight. They are usually cultivated only during the monsoon season and flower based on a fixed date rather than planting time. For example, the Inn Ma Yae Baw variety flowers in the first week of November every year regardless of when it was planted.

  2. Low Yielding Ability: These varieties generally produce lower yields. However, even without weed control, fertilizer, or intensive care, they can still provide a reasonable harvest.

  3. Limited Fertilizer Responsiveness: Even when fertilizers are applied, these varieties do not significantly increase their yield.

  4. Pest and Disease Resistance: Traditional varieties are often resistant to pests and diseases.

High Yielding Variety Group

Due to their higher yield potential and the continuous development of new varieties through local research, HYVs are now widely cultivated in suitable environments.

Four main characteristics of HYVs include:


    1. Photoperiod Insensitivity: HYVs are not sensitive to daylight changes. Known as day-fixed varieties, they can be grown in any season in tropical climates like Myanmar's. Once their growing duration is reached, they mature and are ready for harvest.

    2. High Yielding Ability: Compared to traditional varieties (which yield about 40–50 baskets per acre), HYVs such as Sin Thukha, Manaw Thukha, and Thit Hta Pyan can yield 70–80 baskets or even over 100 per acre.

    3. Good Fertilizer Responsiveness: HYVs respond well to fertilizers, efficiently utilizing them to boost yield. For better results, proper fertilization is essential.

    4. Low Pest and Disease Resistance: HYVs are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Growing them may introduce issues that did not previously affect local fields.

Hybrid Rice Variety Group

Hybrid rice varieties are still cultivated in relatively small areas in Myanmar.

Hybrid rice is produced by crossing two different parent lines, resulting in vigorous plants with exceptional growth and high yields.

It’s important to note that hybrid seeds are not reusable. Their outstanding yield potential only exists in the first generation (F1), so new hybrid seeds must be purchased and planted each season.

Four characteristics of hybrid rice include:

  1. Photoperiod Insensitivity: Like HYVs, hybrids are day-fixed and can be planted in any season.
  2. Superior Yield Potential: Hybrid rice can yield 15–20% more than HYVs, which is why some refer to them as “super high-yielding varieties.”
  3. Excellent Fertilizer Responsiveness: Hybrid rice makes the most of applied fertilizer. However, to achieve its full hybrid vigor, it must be grown under the best possible environmental conditions.
  4. Low Pest and Disease Resistance: Most hybrid varieties grown in Southeast Asia have relatively low resistance to pests and diseases.

Choosing The Right Variety

Each rice group—traditional, HYV, and hybrid—has its own strengths and weaknesses.

When selecting a variety, farmers should consider soil quality, water availability, drainage conditions, crop duration, yield potential, marketability, and grain quality.

However, the most important factor is choosing a rice variety that grows well in the specific field conditions with manageable input costs and provides a good return on investment.

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