Distributing saplings to growers: Macadamia plantations are being extended

As the Macadamia demand is high in both local and foreign markets, Department of Agriculture is distributing over 100,000 Macadamia saplings for 1,800 acres in Shan and Kachin States and Mandalay Region to expand the Macadamia plantations. Plans are underway to support seeds, saplings and techniques to growers to accelerate Macadamia plantations.  

Zaw Tun Myint, Deputy Director General, Department of Agriculture said "There are many regions and states where Macadamia can grow. Especially, it can be planted in the cold mountainous regions. We also have good potentials to expand Macadamia business. As Macadamia market is already thriving in international market, we must try to improve and expand Macadamia plantations to increase income of the growers. Growing Macadamia isn’t complicated like some other plantations, it can benefit more to the growers. "

Macadamia plantation business was unpromising previously. But it started to grow and the number of plantation acres has increased after providing the necessaries to the growers with Mekong-Lanchang Cooperation Special Fund. 

Moe Naing, Assistant Director, Nant San Cultivation Field said "We started to distribute saplings in Shan State (South) last year. In Shan State (South), Macadamias are planted mostly in Nanat San and Le Char. For Shan State (North), most of the Macadamia plantations are found in Naung Cho. Plans are underway to plant Macadamias in Shan State (East) this year. As the growing period of Macadamias can be last for 6 years, we are trying to provide technical supports and market condition to the growers. "

Khun Thein Shuu, Nyaung Shwe Township said "I have grown about 8,300 Macadamia plants in 150 acres. Previously, Macadamia businesses were not encouraged enough and I faced some difficulties when I started to grow Macadamias as a poppy substitute crop. I also plant oil sunflower, tomato, potato and other seasonal vegetables as mixed cropping."

According to the Department of Agriculture, they have sufficient amounts of Macadamia seeds to distribute to the growers across the country and plans are under way to improve the growing technique to accelerate Macadamia plantations.