Established in 2006, the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association (MFVP) delivers an inclusive growth paradigm including all types of actors in rural value chains providing international promotion of Myanmar’s fruits and vegetables. Sandar Myo, Secretary General, discusses MFVP’s recent endeavours in the development of new green markets and good agricultural practices.
European Times: What is MFVP’s role in Myanmar’s agriculture sector?
Sandar Myo: MFVP is carrying out a number of measures and services, focusing on the main purpose – to bring high quality fresh products to consumers and engage members’ activities on environmental sustainable policy. The Association provides tight network connections between its members, numbering more than 40.000 growers, sellers, traders, exporters and importers throughout the country.
MFVP plays great role in the development of the agriculture sector of Myanmar, throughout providing trainings and sharing expertise and technologies for fruit, flower and vegetables breeding. The Association also provides access on special trainings for production of high quality export products, international communication for receiving advanced technologies and exporting opportunities, participation in conferences and seminars (local & foreign) and guidance for any problem concerning farming and markets.
European Times: What are MFVP’s main objectives?
Sandar Myo: MFVP’s general objective is to provide tropical and temperate fresh and processed quality fruits and vegetables for the consumer. Our vision is to enhance Myanmar’s position of fresh produce in existing and new markets in line with consumer requirements and growers needs by 2019. The main goals are: mobilize, develop and activate product based farmer clusters; build capacity of farmers and other actors by a large range of awareness campaigns and training programs; and create market & supply chain linkages and support members in marketing their produce. Cluster development is the condition for capacity development of growers. Linkages to suppliers of quality inputs and to service provider for quality infrastructure, logistics etc. are key to produce agricultural products in the desired quantity, quality and seasonality. Finally, MFVP support its members to diversify markets, increase bargaining power and access new markets.
European Times: What are MFVP’s current projects?
Sandar Myo: One of our projects is the development of the concept for organizing an Agriculture Trade Fair in Taunggyi, in order to promote southern Shan horticulture products, an initiative supported by Winrock International, Swisscontact, Mercy Corp and GIZ. Furthermore, MFVP is working on the Mellon Value Chain Project, since watermelon and muskmelon are top export commodities of Myanmar with valued production of US$90-100 million annually. The project focuses on creating increased productivity and quality, development and expansion of traditional and new markets and increased value addition and income for farmers in the Sagaing and Mandalay region. The Association provides marketing support through organization of events such as Myanmar Mango Festival, Safe Food Safe Farm and presence of THAIFEX 2015.
We have been implementing several fruits and vegetables development projects with the supports from International partners such as FAO Asia Pacific Regional Office, GIZ, USAID/Winrock International, Mercycorp, Swisscontact, Mekong Institute, ADB, etc. Some of the projects include: the Promotion of production of certified fruit and vegetable from Myanmar to diversify market to EU; the Strengthening Membership Base, Member Services and Management Practices of MFVP Project; the Mango and Tea Value Chain; the Upgrading Value Chain for Melon in Dry Zone; the Community based “Southern Shan Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Trade Fair”; the Food safety and Global GAP etc.
