The So Pyae Win story
My name is Chan Mya, a young woman, founder, and business owner with a passion and love for agriculture, always have and always will.
My passion for agriculture started when I was 15. However, my father, Mr. U Aung Kyi Shein, said, “You are a woman, you can’t be a farmer.”
My great grandfather was a farmer in the Irrawaddy region, mostly growing rice. Since then, my family has worked off the land, in office jobs. My parents didn’t have the knowledge, skills and love for the land that is passed from parent to child.
My ambition meant that I would have to learn the ropes of farming and acquire this knowledge, not inherit it. The first step towards deciding was to get a university degree in science. I enrolled at university in 1999, I was 16 years old. Then I graduated and became a university lecturer in science and software engineering at the University of Computer Studies, Mandalay.
After 10 years at university, I decided to do it. To become a farmer. My parents, Mr. U Aung Kyi Shein and my dear mother, Mrs. Daw Ye Ye Mya supported my dream. My mother sold her Yangon home to buy me a small 0.4 hectare (ha) farm in 2005 outside Mandalay in Han Myint Mo village. Sadly, she passed away, but my father backs me up 100% now.
Training and development
Although I studied software engineering, I was already internalizing key elements with an agricultural mindset, and interpretation. My training taught me systematic, clear planning. This is useful today as agriculture becomes more digital. It also helped me to understand contracts and businesses.
I can also communicate and support people; as a lecturer, these are essential skills. I enrolled in courses with NGOs to learn all about agriculture. I strongly believe in educating myself about farming and have undertaken the following trainings:
- Department of Agriculture, Myanmar (DOA): GAP, Postharvest, EU exporting
- GIZ (German development agency): Global GAP
- Winrock International: Pest and diseases control, Grafting plants, Using fertilizer, Agribusiness, Food safety and GMP
- SME Myanmar department: Processing food
- FAO: Processing mango juice, jam and puree
- Helvetas: Brochure and pamphlet making, Business plan writing, Business engaging in conflict context, Proposal writing, Exhibition booth making
- ITC Arise Plus Myanmar: EU exporting, Quality Champion
- Malaysian specialist: Making natural fertilizer
I also make use of agricultural extension workers and draw on agronomist skills. I work closely with three agronomists with deep experience in mangoes and agriculture.
I work with our small-scale farmers to grow, process, package and sell the products.
Building the mango industry
In 2014, I became the secretary for the Mandalay fruit flower and vegetable producer and exporter association, Mandalay Mango Association (MMA). I still hold this position.
In 2019, I became the Chairwoman of the MMA covering eight out of 14 mango producing districts in Myanmar. I have worked hard to raise awareness of our mangoes in regional and international markets. To do this, we need to ensure consistent quality through better farming and post harvesting.
I am all about being hands-on and enjoy visiting farms to support farmers. It helps them to understand market requirements and ensure interventions align to needs.
It also means that the MMA can better service our members, by letting buyers know about these regions and seeking better trade. I work with traders, leaders, business people, and farmers.
Planting mangoes
In 2017, I applied and was granted a 120 ha land lease in Yamethin Township where I planted 40 ha of mangoes and sterculia trees in 2017.
I process, package, and sell this produce into the local market. Soon I will have my certifications and be coming into full production. Then I will start exporting. Growth and prosperity drives us.
The mango seed is highly prized. Han Myint Mo village borders Shan State. In the distance is the rising plateau of Shan State with many rivers, streams and dams. We use this clear, fresh mountain water for irrigation. The farmers have access to wells for drinking.
In 2019, I formally registered my company as So Pyae Win Co. Ltd.
