YANGON, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is taking a big step toward sustainable agriculture as the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) initiates the use of solar power in rice mills.

Twenty-eight rice mills across Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Nay Pyi Taw will operate on solar energy in the current fiscal year 2025-26, with four mills having completed installation as of Tuesday, U Ye Min Aung, chairman of MRF, told Xinhua.

The initiative aims to shift toward clean and renewable energy as the international markets value sustainability and low environmental impact, he said.

Milling rice with solar energy not only improves product quality but also meets international environmental standards, he added.

For international sales, China is a leading buyer of Myanmar rice, purchasing around 500,000 tons annually, while European countries import approximately 700,000 tons each year, he said.

These markets are vital for Myanmar's rice industry, making solar-powered production a key factor in enabling premium pricing, he added.

As part of this initiative, MRF has already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 Chinese solar companies, with plans to sign seven more, he said.

"Chinese solar companies have been very supportive in meeting the technical and commercial needs of Myanmar's rice mill owners," he said, adding that solar-related items from China offer both quality and affordability.

"Using solar energy reduces reliance on diesel by up to 70 percent," U Ye Min Aung said.

The shift also aligns with global sustainability and net-zero goals, enabling clean, eco-friendly rice production, he said.

"We also need to prioritize awareness and training programs to ensure proper use and maintenance of solar equipment," he added.

Shwe Wah Yaung Solar Company's sales and marketing supervisor, Naing Zaw, said all solar equipment at the company is sourced from China. He explained that generators used in rice mills can impact rice quality due to gas emissions.

"By installing solar systems, we can improve rice quality, which directly benefits exports," he said, adding that solar power also reduces operational costs and maintenance expenses.

U Htun Myint, factory manager at Shwe Wah Yaung rice mill, one of Myanmar's top rice exporters, with annual exports of around 400,000 tons, highlighted the economic and environmental advantages of solar adoption.

"By using solar power, we can significantly cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on diesel when grid power is unavailable. Operating on electricity allows us to maintain full production capacity, whereas diesel often limits output."

"Solar energy ensures stable operations without full dependence on the power grid, lowers carbon emissions, and reduces noise pollution," he said.

"This initiative benefits not only rice mills and the environment but also the country as a whole. For consumers, it can help lower production costs, and for the nation, it decreases oil imports, saving foreign currency," he added.

With clean energy adoption, Myanmar expects to improve its rice production value chain by 10 to 20 percent, contributing to both food security and economic growth, U Ye Min Aung said.