Security Concerns Prevent Some Farmers Along the Shan–Karenni Border from Planting Rice

Although it is currently the rainy-season planting period, some farmers along the Shan–Karenni border have been unable to plant rice because of ongoing security concerns. “Of course we want to plant. We are not sure whether we’ll be able to harvest and eat what we grow. At any moment, we may have to run or flee, and that’s something we have to think about,” said a local farmer. Farmers said that in several villages near conflict zones along the Shan–Karenni border, fields have already been plowed, but farmers are facing difficulties replanting rice due to security concerns. They explained that fighting near Moebye in June, along with junta airstrikes, drone surveillance, and aerial bombings, has left many farmers afraid to work in their fields. According to one farmer, around 10 percent of the rice fields in a village that normally plants rice every year have still not been cultivated this season. In addition to the security situation, rising fuel prices and difficulties in hiring daily wage laborers for planting are also factors of delaying. Another farmer who is currently planting rice said many farmers continue to work despite their fears. “With the current drones circling overhead, we’re planting rice without knowing whether we’ll ever be able to harvest or eat it,” the farmer said. The Interim Executive Council of Karenni State (IEC) has also reported that the area of land planted with rice during the 2026 growing season has declined compared with last year due to the ongoing security situation. Farmers along the Shan–Karenni border traditionally grow rice every year both for household consumption and for commercial sale.