China’s Desert-to-Farmland Transformation Offers Lessons for Myanmar’s Agricultural Development

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Yu Yu Htay

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China’s Desert-to-Farmland Transformation Offers Lessons for Myanmar’s Agricultural Development

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As a PhD student at China Agricultural University (CAU), I had the privilege of visiting the Shiyanghe Experimental Station in Gansu Province, where groundbreaking agricultural innovations are turning barren deserts into thriving green fields. This experience offered profound insights into water-saving technologies, drought-resistant farming, and sustainable land rehabilitation practices that could revolutionize agriculture in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone, where water scarcity and desertification pose similar challenges.

Innovation, Transformation, and Resilience for Sustainable Agriculture
The Shiyanghe Experimental Station was conducted by China Agricultural University (CAU), located in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, in northwest China (37°51′ N, 102°52′ E; 1,581 metres above sea level). The area is characterized by low precipitation (around 164 millimetres annually) and high evaporation rates up to 2,000 millimetres, and is also known for high temperatures in summer, windy and dry weather. This station serves as a landmark of forward-thinking design and steadfast resilience.
I was particularly impressed by the innovative research being conducted to address drought and salinity stress. This research mainly contributes to a better understanding of drought resistance and supports sustainable water management systems in arid regions. This study focuses on the challenge of maintaining maize productivity in arid regions facing water shortages and soil salinization. Among all research, the one that uses maize genotypes (Xianyu 335 and Zhengdan 958) under different irrigation, drought, and salinity treatments this kind of research is a pivotal role in identifying drought-resistant crop varieties and optimizing agricultural practices in extreme climates. Myanmar can adopt similar research methodologies; it will be immensely improved by the Myanmar Climate Smart Agricultural Strategy (MCSAS).
Shiyanghe, mainly focuses on advanced water-saving technology such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and soil moisture monitoring. The precision irrigation (like smart drip irrigation) delivers water directly to the roots, improving moisture consistency and nutrient absorption. These techniques have significantly enhanced crop performance, demonstrating that effective management strategies can overcome climate limitations. Promoting research on drought-resistant crops and advanced monitoring technologies would enhance agricultural resilience.
My field observations extended to the long-term agricultural experiments, where innovative water conservation strategies are making a significant impact. Applying advanced technologies like shallow drip tape irrigation technology and smart pipeline robotic frames to monitor crop health and photosynthesis rates under drought conditions. By applying these water-saving techniques and research methodologies will leverage initiatives, such as Climate Smart Agriculture Myanmar and the Pyawt Ywar Pump Irrigation ongoing project. I learned how community efforts can transform from dune into green land. Policies supporting such research and advanced technology support to local farmers would empower them to better withstand drought conditions, ultimately improving productivity.

This long-term field experiment was established (since 2003), one of the experiments, which was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Mainly focuses on the wheat, maize and faba bean. The experiment treatments include: (1) monoculture, (2) rotational intercropping, and (3) continuous intercropping. In the early four years (2003-2006) of field experiments, maize overyielded by 43 per cent and faba beans overyielded by 26 per cent when intercropped on a low-phosphorus but high-nitrogen soil.
Compared with conventional farming methods, the intercropping system can save approximately 200 cubic metres of water per mu. This success long term experiments offer valuable lessons for Myanmar.
Huarui Farm (华瑞农场) in Minle County, Gansu Province, China, is known for its modern agricultural practices, particularly in maize, soybean production and other high-value crops. It is also promoting water-saving irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation and a fertigation system in sandy soil. Fertigation integrates fertilizers into irrigation water, delivering nutrients directly to the plant root zone. Up to 30-50 per cent less fertilizer waste compared to broadcasting. Drip fertigation reduces evaporation and runoff. These modern techniques place as a role model to save water and fertilizer runoff in the dry zone.
My journey to Gansu Province was more than just an educational experience; it was eye-opening. I learned how innovative practices and community-driven efforts can transform even arid environments into lush farmland. The central dry zone of Myanmar shares many similarities with Gansu’s topography, making the lessons from the experimental station invaluable for enhancing Myanmar’s agriculture. By embracing these strategies, Myanmar can overcome its challenges and achieve long-term economic growth while improving livelihoods for its communities.

GNLM

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China’s Desert-to-Farmland Transformation Offers Lessons for Myanmar’s Agricultural Development
China’s Desert-to-Farmland Transformation Offers Lessons for Myanmar’s Agricultural Development
As a PhD student at China Agricultural University (CAU), I had the privilege of visiting the Shiyanghe Experimental Station in Gansu Province, where groundbreaking agricultural innovations are turning barren deserts into thriving green fields. This experience offered profound insights into water-saving technologies, drought-resistant farming, and sustainable land rehabilitation practices that could revolutionize agriculture in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone, where water scarcity and desertification pose similar challenges.Innovation, Transformation, and Resilience for Sustainable AgricultureThe Shiyanghe Experimental Station was conducted by China Agricultural University (CAU), located in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, in northwest China (37°51′ N, 102°52′ E; 1,581 metres above sea level). The area is characterized by low precipitation (around 164 millimetres annually) and high evaporation rates up to 2,000 millimetres, and is also known for high temperatures in summer, windy and dry weather. This station serves as a landmark of forward-thinking design and steadfast resilience.I was particularly impressed by the innovative research being conducted to address drought and salinity stress. This research mainly contributes to a better understanding of drought resistance and supports sustainable water management systems in arid regions. This study focuses on the challenge of maintaining maize productivity in arid regions facing water shortages and soil salinization. Among all research, the one that uses maize genotypes (Xianyu 335 and Zhengdan 958) under different irrigation, drought, and salinity treatments this kind of research is a pivotal role in identifying drought-resistant crop varieties and optimizing agricultural practices in extreme climates. Myanmar can adopt similar research methodologies; it will be immensely improved by the Myanmar Climate Smart Agricultural Strategy (MCSAS).Shiyanghe, mainly focuses on advanced water-saving technology such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and soil moisture monitoring. The precision irrigation (like smart drip irrigation) delivers water directly to the roots, improving moisture consistency and nutrient absorption. These techniques have significantly enhanced crop performance, demonstrating that effective management strategies can overcome climate limitations. Promoting research on drought-resistant crops and advanced monitoring technologies would enhance agricultural resilience.My field observations extended to the long-term agricultural experiments, where innovative water conservation strategies are making a significant impact. Applying advanced technologies like shallow drip tape irrigation technology and smart pipeline robotic frames to monitor crop health and photosynthesis rates under drought conditions. By applying these water-saving techniques and research methodologies will leverage initiatives, such as Climate Smart Agriculture Myanmar and the Pyawt Ywar Pump Irrigation ongoing project. I learned how community efforts can transform from dune into green land. Policies supporting such research and advanced technology support to local farmers would empower them to better withstand drought conditions, ultimately improving productivity.This long-term field experiment was established (since 2003), one of the experiments, which was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Mainly focuses on the wheat, maize and faba bean. The experiment treatments include: (1) monoculture, (2) rotational intercropping, and (3) continuous intercropping. In the early four years (2003-2006) of field experiments, maize overyielded by 43 per cent and faba beans overyielded by 26 per cent when intercropped on a low-phosphorus but high-nitrogen soil.Compared with conventional farming methods, the intercropping system can save approximately 200 cubic metres of water per mu. This success long term experiments offer valuable lessons for Myanmar.Huarui Farm (华瑞农场) in Minle County, Gansu Province, China, is known for its modern agricultural practices, particularly in maize, soybean production and other high-value crops. It is also promoting water-saving irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation and a fertigation system in sandy soil. Fertigation integrates fertilizers into irrigation water, delivering nutrients directly to the plant root zone. Up to 30-50 per cent less fertilizer waste compared to broadcasting. Drip fertigation reduces evaporation and runoff. These modern techniques place as a role model to save water and fertilizer runoff in the dry zone.My journey to Gansu Province was more than just an educational experience; it was eye-opening. I learned how innovative practices and community-driven efforts can transform even arid environments into lush farmland. The central dry zone of Myanmar shares many similarities with Gansu’s topography, making the lessons from the experimental station invaluable for enhancing Myanmar’s agriculture. By embracing these strategies, Myanmar can overcome its challenges and achieve long-term economic growth while improving livelihoods for its communities.GNLM
China's economy grows 5.2% in Q2 despite US tariffs
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This year's first-half growth was boosted by government stimulus and a temporary pause in the US-China trade war, which allowed exporters rush out shipments ahead of new tariffs.China's economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025 amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, official data showed on Tuesday.The second quarter growth was slightly below the 5.4% pace in the first, but keeping on track to meet the government's full-year target of "around 5%."The first-half performance was supported by state stimulus and a pause in US-China trade war escalations that allowed exporters to rush out shipments ahead of potential tariff hikes."China achieved growth above the official target of 5% in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.Sustained growth not sustainableAnalysts, however, warn that the growth may not be sustainable. Weakened consumer confidence, falling prices, and a deepening property crisis continue to weigh on demand."The real estate crisis remains a major medium-term drag on local government budgets," said Dan Wang, economist at the Eurasia Group.Investors, meanwhile, are bracing for a weaker second half even as additional stimulus are expected to be considered at the upcoming Politburo meeting in July.At the same time, according to economic research and consulting firm Prognos Institute, Chinese companies now account for 16% of global exports, double that of Germany, raising the stakes in an increasingly competitive global trade landscape.What is the trade war between China and the US?Tensions are simmering between Washington and Beijing as the two nations clash over a range of issues, including Taiwan, emerging technologies and most importantly, trade.Escalating trade tensions, US President announced 145% tariffs on Chinese goods in April. However, negotiations between the two significant economies in May led to lowering of US tariffs to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks, while China also reduced its taxes on US goods from 125% to 10%.US-China competition is already substantially impacting global economy and politics.If the trade war between the two escalates once again, China might try to use the EU market to absorb Chinese production overcapacity.In turn, the US could also redefine goods manufactured in the EU through Chinese direct investment as Chinese products and demand higher levies from EU businesses.Meanwhile, as the US tightens trade restrictions with some Latin American countries, China is expanding its influence across South America.https://www.dw.com/en/chinas-economy-grows-52-in-q2-despite-us-tariffs/a-73279510
Thailand’s Global Income Tax Overhaul: Implications for Residents and Investors
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Chinese crane maker raises questions over US tariff plans: ‘not a real remedy’
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“Understanding the Temporary De-Escalation of the US-China Trade War”
“Understanding the Temporary De-Escalation of the US-China Trade War”
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Firms will be less willing to commit capital in the United States or China if the viability of the investment hinges on the unpredictable swings of tariff policy.This fairly obvious point is backed up by academic literature, including Handley and Limão (2017), who demonstrate that trade policy uncertainty can hurt investment as much as actual tariffs. Volatility becomes a tax on planning, especially in capital-intensive sectors like automobiles, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.Credibility Is Eroding—and That’s DangerousThe administration warned that trade retaliation would carry consequences. But after China’s counter, it appears to have emerged with a lower effective tariff rate than it faced the morning of April 2. This sequence undermines the administration’s preferred posture that it can always “out-escalate” its way to victory in trade disputes. 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“From Illegal Trade to the Benefits of Legal Trade”
“From Illegal Trade to the Benefits of Legal Trade”
The procedure for Authorized Economic Operators was announced by the Ministry of Planning and Finance through Notification 21/2018 on 30 March 2018.As stated in the Procedure for Authorized Economic Operators, an Authorized Economic Operator is a company or organization officially recognized by the Customs Department that meets the criteria outlined in this Procedure and operates within the international trade chain. The international trade chain refers to the system that includes the organizations, processes, technologies, and resources involved in transferring goods or services from the seller to the consumer.The criteria for recognition as an Authorized Economic Operator require that a person wishing to operate as an Authorized Economic Operator must comply with the company registration requirements and the business licence regulations specified by the Ministry of Planning and Finance, Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. The period between the date of registration under the Myanmar Companies Act and the date of application for registration as an Authorized Economic Operator must be at least 3 years. The applicant must also continuously comply with the Sea Customs Act, rules, regulations, orders, instructions, and procedures. The company must publish official financial statements and reports annually from the date of its establishment. The accounting records and business-related financial information must be maintained for seven years. There must be a good record-keeping system and an effective internal control system which is acceptable to the Customs Department in maintaining financial matters, business records, systems, processes, and any issues related to the Customs service agent.All taxes and duties imposed by the Customs Department, as well as any other taxes payable to the State, must be paid on time. The applicant must be financially sound. Before applying as an Authorized Economic Operator and before the issuance of the recognition certificate, the applicant must have no record of Customs-related offences or penalties within the past three years, must not be blacklisted, must accurately declare import and export transactions, and must have no record of economic misconduct or fraud. If prior notice is given for inspection when required, it must be possible to undergo inspection at any location.The benefits available to an Authorized Economic Operator include the right to process Customs declarations with priority status, the right to pre-file import and export declarations before the arrival of goods, the right to obtain customs clearance without inspecting the documents or goods (except in cases involving potential risks for preventing illegal imports or exports), the right to receive priority inspection when required, the right to obtain customs services related to goods at the importer or exporter’s premises or other locations permitted by the Customs Department, the right to operate under the Deferred Duty Payment System within one month, as outlined in Section 41 of the Sea Customs Act, the right to receive the Customs Department’s recognition certificate and display the recognized logo as per requirements, and the right to enquire about Customs procedures with the Customs Department and the Authorized Economic Operators Division.Therefore, I urge all economic operators throughout Myanmar to cease engaging in illegal trade and apply for a certificate of recognition as an Authorized Economic Operator, which offers the benefits of legal trade. This will allow them to follow the right path of legal trade and operate as “Authorized Economic Operators”.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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