Officials at the UN Development Programme say over 2 million people in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine face imminent famine. Fighting there between the military junta and ethnic minority militants has been escalating since last year.

In a report on Rakhine released last week, the UNDP says rice production in the state is plummeting due to a lack of seeds and fertilizers, bad weather and displacement of residents.

The document says the state's economy has "stopped functioning," with internal and external trade nearly grinding to a halt. It says without urgent action, famine threatens by the middle of next year.

The report says more than 500,000 people in Rakhine are internally displaced and entirely reliant on aid, but points out the conflict is hampering humanitarian assistance.

Dulyapak Preecharush, an associate professor of Thammasat University, says the international community also needs to provide continued support for Rohingya Muslim minorities. He says they are among those most affected by the food shortages.

He stresses all stakeholders, including the junta and ethnic militants, should work to guarantee safety and sufficient aid for them.