Tobacco farmers in Arakan State struggle amid market collapse and falling demand

26 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 November 2025, Kyauktaw

Tobacco farmers in Arakan State say the industry is struggling due to a lack of market access and declining demand.

Last year, one viss of tobacco fetched between K45,000 and K150,000, and demand was strong. But this year, prices have dropped to between K20,000 and K50,000 per viss, according to growers.

“This year we planted tobacco, but there is no market. Since other countries are not exporting tobacco, there is no market for ours. We are in a situation where we have to seriously reconsider growing tobacco,” said a tobacco farmer in Kyauktaw Township.

Tobacco is commercially grown in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ramree and Manaung townships. It was once widely used in Arakan State, supporting a stable local market and providing livelihoods for many farmers.

But the industry has declined in recent years as more people switch to cigarettes and cheroots produced in mainland Myanmar.

“Before, people smoked raw tobacco. Now, with the rise of cigarettes and soft drinks, fewer people use tobacco. Only some elderly people still smoke pipes. So, it is no longer profitable for tobacco growers,” said a woman in Ramree.

Tobacco from Ramree Township was previously exported to towns including Myebon, Taungup, Thandwe and Kyaukphyu. But growers say they can now sell only within their own township due to ongoing fighting and road blockades.

As armed conflict disrupts economic activity across Arakan State, farmers who depend on agriculture are struggling to survive.