Livestock Sector Update, Myanmar
On 18 May, Myanmar Livestock Federation MLF provided the results of a survey made with over 300 livestock businesses across Myanmar in an effort to understand the notable impacts of Covid-19 on the sector.
Survey by MLF
MLF identified 3 main interrelated challenges 1) declining livestock prices 2) surplus of cattle 3) transportation restriction. The immediate measures proposed by the MLF for remedying the situation are to ease the movement restriction, to provide the financial loans particularly to the small-scale livestock businesses.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation MoALI is currently implementing its plans to create jobs and to provide the financial assistance to farmers as per the Covid-19 Economic Relief Plan. A targeted support for the livestock sector is not yet in place. See the link for news article.
Meanwhile, Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department LBVD under MoALI conducted a survey in April, 2020. The survey by the LBVD covered over 4900 respondents in the sector across 24 townships in 5 States, 5 Regions.
Survey by LBVD
The respondents said they are facing the financial loss due to a decrease in market demand and livestock prices (52%) and also due to the transportation limit (6%). Concerning the raw materials for feed, 61% responded they still get it as usual whereas 8% of them reported having difficulty to get raw materials for feed during this crisis period. The survey clearly indicated the impacts of Covid-19 on the livestock sector and highlighted the needs such as the recovery assistance in cash (grant and loan) and the necessary support for inputs ( feed , vaccines, semen). The technology-related assistance for the production of qualified livestock products is mentioned as a need to be able to establish a secure market for small and medium businesses. The findings stressed also that warehouse, logistics and cold storage facilities are crucial for the Myanmar livestock sector to further minimize the losses.