CNI News
May 11, 2026
Although the government’s 100-Day Plan includes increasing cultivation loans for farmers, it is reported that some farmers have yet to receive these funds.
Farmers operate in groups ranging from dozens to hundreds of members. According to farmers, if a single member of a group fails to repay a previous loan, the other members of that same group—even those who have fully cleared their debts—are being denied the new loans promised under the 100-Day Plan.
U Thein Aung, former chairman of the Farmer Development Association, told CNI News that this policy unfairly affects farmers who have settled their debts and is causing delays in agricultural operations.
"We’ve heard the talk about lending—300,000 Kyats per acre. However, as far as I know, while disbursements have started, they haven't reached some farmers yet. This is because old debts haven't been cleared. Ideally, if someone pays off their debt today, they should be able to borrow again tomorrow. That would make things simple. If a group has 500 farmers and the rule is that all 500 must be debt-free before anyone can borrow, those who have already paid become discouraged. If you credit the debt-free farmers quickly, it actually motivates the ones who are lagging behind to settle their debts faster," he said.
Farmers seen
The current new government is implementing its 100-Day Plan from April 20, 2026, to July 30, 2026. This plan covers several sectors, including: Increasing agricultural loans for farmers, Trade, Peace, Energy.
Previously, paddy farmers were only eligible for 100,000 Kyats per acre, capped at 10 acres. Under the new 100-Day Plan, the rates have been increased as follows: Farmers who grow paddy, wheat and cotton will get 300,000 Kyats per acre and those who grow other crops will get 250,000 Kyats or 150,000 Kyats depending on kinds of crops
U Aye Naing, a paddy farmer from Bogale Township, told CNI News that many farmers are struggling to repay old loans and some are even borrowing from private moneylenders at high interest rates just to clear their bank debt in hopes of receiving the new, increased loan.
Farmers seen
"There are some farmers who can’t repay their bank loans, and they don't get the new one. Only those who can pay receive it. They are now lending 300,000 per acre. In reality, every farmer who has cleared their debt should be eligible. But when one member of a group fails to pay and the rest of the group is penalized, it’s unfair to those who did pay. Some people are borrowing from wealthy lenders with interest just to settle [the bank debt]. This is part of why farmers are in distress," he said.
Furthermore, it is reported that government banks do not provide loans for a farmer's total acreage. For instance, a farmer with 15 acres is only granted a loan for a maximum of 10 acres. Farmers are currently calling for the government to allow loans for their full landholdings.
