Myanmar is a country fundamentally based on agriculture and farming. Favourable soil conditions, adequate water resources, and suitable climatic factors contribute significantly to the successful development of the agricultural sector. Consequently, successive governments have consistently encouraged and supported agricultural development. Among the four guiding principles of the National Defence and Security Council, the second principle emphasizes “the continuous development of the agricultural sector, which serves as the primary foundation of national economic growth, and the enhancement of people’s socio-economic well-being through the development of agro-based industries.” This clearly illustrates the critical importance of agriculture to Myanmar.
The agricultural sector not only underpins food security but also plays a vital role in international trade and employment generation. For these reasons, agriculture is often described as the lifeblood of Myanmar’s economy.
When discussing agriculture in Myanmar, it is impossible to exclude rural areas from consideration. Approximately 70 per cent of the country’s population resides in rural regions, where livelihoods are primarily dependent on agriculture and livestock farming. Beyond mere subsistence, these rural communities contribute substantially to the national economy.
In today’s era of rapid technological advancement, interconnections among various economic sectors have intensified. Tourism, which has evolved in response to human curiosity and the desire for exploration, has gradually integrated into the agricultural sector, giving rise to a distinct form of tourism known as Agri-Tourism or Agro-Tourism – a combination of agriculture and tourism.
While the terms Agri-Tourism and Agro-Tourism are often used interchangeably, tourism scholars note subtle differences between them. Both involve visits to rural agricultural areas and farming environments. However, Agro-Tourism primarily emphasizes educational purposes, such as observing farming practices, participating in agricultural activities, harvesting crops, and feeding livestock. A notable example is the once-popular goat farm tours in Bagan, a world-renowned destination in Myanmar, which clearly reflected an Agro-Tourism model.
In contrast, Agri-Tourism extends beyond education to include recreation and entertainment, festivals, participatory activities, and team-building exercises. As such, Agri-Tourism represents a broader and more diversified tourism concept.
Examining Myanmar’s current tourism landscape, it becomes evident that Agri-Tourism is more prevalent than Agro-Tourism. As an agriculture-based nation with a predominantly rural population, agricultural scenery such as rice fields, plantations, forests, and farmlands becomes visible immediately upon leaving urban areas. With the growth of domestic tourism, visits to agriculture-based destinations have increased significantly. However, most tourists are more inclined towards relaxation, photography, leisure, and entertainment rather than structured agricultural learning. Therefore, the tourism activities observed in these destinations align more closely with Agri-Tourism.
For entrepreneurs seeking to generate additional income through tourism based on agricultural activities, it is essential not only to provide educational content but also to create engaging and enjoyable experiences that appeal to tourists. Such an approach will foster the growth of Agri-Tourism and generate sustainable tourism-related benefits.
The benefits of Agri-Tourism are manifold. It enhances visitors’ knowledge and awareness by combining educational value with recreation and memorable experiences. Tourists gain a deeper appreciation of natural landscapes, environmental conservation, and national heritage, fostering a sense of patriotism and environmental responsibility. This, in turn, supports sustainable development.
Moreover, Agri-Tourism facilitates mutual understanding and goodwill between tourists and rural communities through direct interaction, a process often referred to as cultural exchange. This exchange benefits both visitors and residents alike. Additionally, Agri-Tourism provides farmers and rural households with supplementary income opportunities.
Another significant benefit is the development of supply chain linkages between agricultural producers and the hospitality and tourism sectors. Agricultural products can be supplied directly to hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, benefiting all stakeholders involved. This strengthens not only agriculture but also transportation, hospitality, and other related industries, demonstrating the well-known ripple effect of tourism development.
Furthermore, Agri-Tourism plays a crucial role in narrowing the development gap between rural and urban areas. Governments have long sought to reduce this disparity through infrastructure development, improved connectivity, enhanced education, and rural economic support. Tourism, by encouraging mobility and interaction, strengthens rural-urban linkages. Promoting Agri-Tourism can therefore effectively reduce development inequalities while improving rural livelihoods and living standards.
Traditionally, Myanmar has been internationally recognized primarily as a cultural and religious tourism destination due to its abundance of pagodas and heritage sites. Domestic tourists often travel for pilgrimage or beach holidays. However, in recent years, farmers in certain regions have begun transforming their farms into tourist attractions by beautifying their agricultural sites, charging entrance fees, selling local products, and sharing knowledge with visitors. The warm and welcoming interaction between hosts and guests has become a defining feature of Agri-Tourism.
With changing tourism trends, improved infrastructure, and advancements in technology, Myanmar’s lush green farmlands and picturesque rural landscapes have emerged as compelling tourism attractions. Visitors are encouraged to experience these destinations firsthand and appreciate the unique charm of Myanmar’s agricultural heritage.
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