Recommended vs. Practice: Smallholder Fertilizer Decisions in Central Myanmar

Agriculture in Myanmar has substantial development potential given the abundance of land, water, and labor resources country. Despite this, agricultural productivity is low farm incomes are amongst lowest Asia. The underperformance crops yield widely reported to be due fertilizer use by smallholders. This study investigated perceptions smallholders about for cereal considering their motives decision making. We results a 600 smallholders’ survey tested whether reportedly generally true central Myanmar. compared application timing against recommended “good management practices”. Among surveyed rice farmers, average applied was much higher than previously national rates while majority maize farmers were found applying less rates. With respect timing, nearly half not nitrogen at estimated panicle initiation stage, which often crucial increase yield, (82%) phosphorus throughout growth stages, when earlier applications desirable. Smallholders may able reduce cost reducing number P avoiding late applications.