Htet Nadi/Thant Zin (NSS)- Sept 29

President U Min Aung Hlaing stated on September 21 at the national-level workshop titled “From Agricultural Sector Development to the Growth of National Products,” held at MICC-1 in Nay Pyi Taw that Indian businesspeople have expressed concern that the Myanmar bean market could collapse. 

The President said that Indian businesspeople raised concerns about the declining quality of Myanmar beans during his official goodwill visit to India on May 30 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“I visited India in May. During discussions with the association of major traders there, Indian businesspeople presented their views on the bean market to me. They expressed concern regarding Myanmar’s bean market, noting that they have been trading in beans for 15 years and have observed a gradual decline in the quality of bean from Myanmar,” the President said.

The President stated that he has received reports indicating business operators are showing interest in beans from Argentina and Brazil which are being exported to India due to their superior color and quality, and that there are concerns this could lead to a loss of market share for Myanmar’s beans.

“At the bean forum held in India in early 2026, the beans presented by Argentina and Brazil were superior to Myanmar’s in terms of color and grain size. Consequently, India has become more interested in beans imported from Argentina and Brazil. Myanmar’s beans lack good color and are small in size. I was informed that there are concerns the market for Myanmar’s beans could collapse as a result,” the President said.

The President stated that, in this regard, he visited the research site to inspect the quality of the beans, accompanied by U Min Naung, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation was also present at that time. We immediately went to inspect the bean research facilities. I discussed the bean market situation there. It is simply human nature: initially, visual appeal matters. Like Chinese products, they are made to look attractive initially. Later on, the quality can change over time. We need to create products that attract people; we must ensure they are appealing—focusing on color, appearance, aroma, and taste. They need to have a pleasant fragrance and an attractive look,” the President said.

It is reported that during the first three months of the 2026-2027 fiscal year, over one million tonnes of beans, maize, and sesame were exported primarily to India, China, and Thailand, generating more than US$538 million in revenue. –