This was according to FAMSUN, a China-headquartered company specialising in agro-industrial technology with a regional base in Bangkok, Thailand.
“Annual feed output may decline by up to 15%, based on estimates from mid- to large-scale feed mills,” a spokesperson told AgTechNavigator. The spokesperson elaborated on the extent of the damage, describing severe disruptions to storage and production infrastructure in key feed-producing regions, including Mandalay and Taunggyi.
Several factories suffered equipment damage, and transportation of feed was temporarily hindered due to road conditions, further complicating supply chains.
These challenges have had a domino effect on livestock production. This included structural damage to animal shelters, the loss of livestock, and temporary feed supply shortages across affected areas.
“Short-term meat prices are expected to rise by over 10% due to reduced output and logistical challenges,” said the spokesperson.
The representative emphasised that the feed industry is a cornerstone of Myanmar’s agricultural economy.
“The feed industry plays a vital role in Myanmar’s agricultural sector, particularly as a backbone of the livestock industry. It directly supports meat, dairy, and egg production, making it essential to food security and rural livelihoods.”
Recovery efforts
Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, was the epicentre of the powerful 7.7 earthquake that struck on March 28.
In the aftermath, construction material prices — like cement — have surged, placing further strain on small and medium-sized mills.
FAMSUN services 20 feed mills in Myanmar, which represent approximately 70% of Myanmar’s total feed production capacity.
Within 24 hours of the earthquake, its regional headquarters formed a an eight-member joint technical expert task force and began recovery operations on April 5 when they finally arrived in Mandalay.
As part of recovery efforts, FAMSUN utilised local spare part inventories and sent engineers on-site to repair structural damage to restore equipment functionality.
Since then, nine out of 10 FAMSUN-supported factories in Mandalay have resumed operations, restoring over 90% of capacity. The remaining factory is expected to restart by late April, said the rep.
In Taunggyi, five factories have restarted production but still require “urgent repair”.
In a press statement, FAMSUN said pre-fabricated modular components help to improve repair time by 60%.
FAMSUN estimated that the overall capacity has recovered by 70%.
“However, small-to-medium mills face reconstruction challenges due to funding shortages and surging material costs. For example, cement prices have doubled,” said the spokesperson.
“FAMSUN remains committed to supporting Myanmar’s feed industry recovery and contributing to regional food security.”
In addition to these efforts, FAMSUN also extended humanitarian aid to communities impacted by the earthquake with medicine, food, water, and monetary assistance.
This aid was carried out with support from the China Enterprise Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar (CECCM), the Myanmar Sichuan and Chongqing Chamber of Commerce (MSCC), and the Myanmar Livestock Federation (Mandalay).
