What is The Value Chain of Myanmar Ginger?

In the current Myanmar fresh ginger value chains, there are two types of value chain maps. The first is the traditional value chain, which encompasses various actors ranging from input providers to importers in foreign markets and, finally, consumers in domestic markets. Input providers, farmers (producers), village collectors, merchants, agents, wholesalers and retailers, and end consumers in domestic and international markets are all involved in the chain. Farmers, traders, and exporters are among those who play an important role in the chain. 

The chain has four phases; input supply, production, trading, and exporting. During the production stage, Winrock International assisted ginger farmers with technical elements of production and associated with traders for high bargaining power. There are two major fresh ginger exporters in the chain. Due to modest requirements and a good relationship between the exporter and importer, the trader who exports to Bangladesh has become the largest fresh ginger exporter in Myanmar in recent years. The majority of the actors in the chain are based in Southern Shan State, which is Myanmar's main ginger production and trading area. A variety of actors participate in the trading stage, including dealers, agents, village collectors, wholesalers, and retailers. 

                                                                Figure 1 Traditional Fresh Ginger Value Chain Map in Myanmar

The emerging value chain or a pesticide-free fresh ginger value chain, as shown in Figure 2, only four actors are involved: input suppliers, farmers, exporters, and importers. The remaining actors are avoided due to the nature of the chain, which requires direct collaboration between farmers and exporters. The pesticide-free fresh ginger indicates ginger with an acceptable amount of insecticide and herbicide residues. Certain amounts of chemical fertilizer are permitted throughout the production stage, but no pesticides or herbicides are permitted.  Farmers in this category take the lead in working with exporters and managing each other to avoid using chemical pesticides.