Summary
The Climate Smart Rice Project was a four-year initiative (2019-2022) implemented in Myanmar to transform the rice sector through adoption of climate-smart and resource-efficient practices aligned with the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Standard. Despite severe disruptions from COVID-19, the 2021 military coup, and civil conflict, the project successfully trained 5,221 farmers who achieved significant economic benefits: 21% higher yields and doubled profit margins through cost savings in water, nutrient, and pest management. The project also upgraded 14 rice mills, established contract farming schemes distributing quality seeds, and achieved third-party SRP verification for almost 3k farmers. However, the “pull” component establishing sustainable export value chains largely failed due to weak international demand for Myanmar rice, logistics challenges, banking disruptions, and country’s reputation for low-quality rice exports.