Farmers abandon farmlands due to explosive remnants

June 9, 2025

HURFOM: Frequent armed clashes in Chaung Hna Kwa, Kyone Kwell, Kaw Thut, Kaw Swell, Kaw Bane, Kaw Pa Line, Than Ka Long and nearby villages, in Kyikemayaw Township on the border of Mon and Karen States have left behind potentially deadly remains.

Landmines and explosive remnants of military weapons are scattered near the villages and farmlands. Farmers are abandoning these lands for fear of possible explosions.

“After the armed clashes, explosive military remnants and landmines are left in the farmland. We’re afraid of stepping on those explosives while doing our work so most farmers have abandoned their farmland this year. Only a quarter of farmers continue to work the land,” said a local villager.

Many farmers have abandoned their farmland for three consecutive years. As a result the price of rice has risen sharply in Kyikemayaw Township. Villagers now pay as much as 150,000 MMK for a bag of rice. It is a difficult situation for the poor.

“We have to buy rice. Rice is very expensive now. The rich can buy the rice but it’s difficult for the poor to buy rice. The farmers in the village don’t sell their rice. They keep the rice for their family for the entire year,” said a resident.

The price of rice also rose sharply in 2024 in Kyikemayaw Township leaving the poor unable to buy only liters versus bags of rice.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News