Kayin State expands coffee production with new saplings

A total of 10,029 acres of coffee plantations in Kayin State produce 21,229 tonnes of coffee beans. Plans are underway to expand this by an additional 1,000 acres, focusing on the globally traded Robusta variety. Yesterday morning, Robusta coffee plants were grown at the PhaungdawU camp in Kyauktaung village, Tapaung village-tract, Hlaingbwe Township.
During the planting ceremony, Kayin State Chief Minister U Saw Myint Oo emphasized the suitability of the region for high-value coffee cultivation and highlighted the importance of coffee beans in generating export revenue, given their global popularity. The Chief Minister and officials distributed coffee saplings to farmers from various villages in Hlaingbwe. Farmer Saw Win Naing Sein, on behalf of the farmers, expressed gratitude. Subsequently, the Chief Minister and officials planted 1,600 Robusta saplings on 2.5 acres of hardwood plantation owned by Saw Win Naing Sein.
The Chief Minister viewed coffee sapling-growing activities of local farmers and honoured traditional cultural troupes.
The Chief Minister and officials also inspected the elevated water levels at Yebok Dam near Htilon village in Hlaingbwe Township. U Than Oo, Head of Kayin State Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department presented the update report on the dam’s current status and the preparations for managing the high water levels.
Furthermore, they examined the Check Structure and Canal Side Spill Structure funded by the Kayin State budget for the 2023-2024 financial year and the Escape Outfall Channel funded by the Union budget for the 2024-2025 FY. Directives have been issued to construct water retention dams in areas prone to overflow and to grow more teak saplings in the dam areas affected by excess water diversion. — Saw Myo Min Thein (IPRD)/ TRKM