Cyclone Nargis has destroyed much of Myanmar’s rice crop and ruined agriculture land. The cyclone hit the low-lying areas of the Irrawaddy delta, the area of the country the produces most of its rice, the staple grain for the country.

Early reports indicate that the entire rice crop was destroyed in the area just before it was to be harvested. Also, it is unlikely that the next rice crop will be planted on time due to the damage to agriculture land and lack of access to new seedlings.

Reports also indicate that Myanmar’s own stockpiles of rice are almost gone. Much of its rice stocks had recently been exported to take advantage of high rice prices and in anticipation of a new crop being harvested. Food prices are rising rapidly.

Many of the people of Myanmar will be facing food shortages and hunger unless aid is provided to meet immediate food needs and support the reestablishment of agriculture production.

In response to this situation, several Canadian Foodgrains Bank member agencies are in conversation with their partners in and around Burma to try to determine the most appropriate course of action.

If you wish to make a donation in support of the relief efforts in Burma, Click Here.  Any donations received which are designated for Burma will be used for a Canadian Foodgrains Bank response or (if we do not directly support a program there) will be transferred to one of our member agencies working in the area.