ROBUSTA low-land coffee growers can seek assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.
Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung observed the blossoming of one to nine-month coffee plants and the harvesting of coffee cherries at an-acre coffee farm at Office 15 in Nay Pyi Taw on 9 October, in addition to visiting 2.5 acres of low-land coffee cultivation at Office 36 and 0.5 acres of coffee farm at Office 50 in Nay Pyi Taw. During the inspection trip, officials explained planting coffee under the shade of perennial trees grown during the animal monsoon tree planting festival and the growth stages of the plants by age.
The Union minister instructed officials concerned to disseminate the successful cultivation of low-land coffee in Nay Pyi Taw and low-land areas to the public and provide practical demonstration and necessary assistance to the coffee growers in line with rules and regulations. Robusta coffee can be grown at low altitudes from sea level to 2,500 feet and below under shady trees like mango, cashew, macadamia and rubber to benefit growth and yield. Furthermore, they also thrive between betel nut trees in the coastal regions. Thus, it is suitable for manageable farming to commercial farming in Myanmar. Since Robusta coffee is a commercially valued crop, those interested farmers can contact the ministry (Office 15) for necessary assistance, including technical assistance. — NN/KK
