First exported in 2001-2002, Myanma Pawsan – known globally as Myanma Pearl Rice – earned international acclaim when Pyapon Pawsan won top honours at the World Rice Conferences in 2009 and 2011.
MYANMAR Rice Federation (MRF) stated that Myanmar is working towards achieving Geographical Indication (GI) status for Myanma Pawsan Rice in the global market although it has already achieved popularity in the international market.
Myanma Pawsan was first exported in the 2001-2002 financial year, and Pyapon Pawsan won the third prize for World’s Best Rice at the World Rice Conference
held in the Philippines in 2009 and the World’s Best Rice award in 2011 held in Vietnam. Myanma Pawsan is regarded as Myanma Pearl Rice in the global rice market.
Moreover, efforts are being made to grab GI, the trust of the purchasing country and maintain the rice quality. Efforts will be made to integrate regionally cultivated varieties of Pawsan using technology in a way that preserves the original Pawsan’s quality and characteristics. Production will also be based on the preferences of domestic and international consumers and market demand. In addition, priority will be given to export to countries with the highest demand and market potential for Myanmar rice, such as China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Ayeya Pawsan rice is mainly consumed in Ayeyawady, Yangon, Taninthayi regions and Mon and Shan states, while Shwebo Pawsan is consumed in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Mandalay and Sagaing regions.
The original Pawsan was cultivated in Myaungmya township of Ayeyawady Region in 1922, Pawsan Baygya rice from Kyauktan township of Yangon Region was cultivated in Shwebo township of Sagaing Region in 1997-1998, and the cultivation of Shwebo Pawsan rice variety has been expanded in the country.
The market share of Myanmar rice, including Pawsan, is 21 per cent in China, 27 per cent in Belgium, four per cent in the Philippines and five per cent in Indonesia. — ASH/KTZH
