Avocado Production in Asia and the Pacific - United Nations in ...

AVOCADO PRODUCTION IN MYANMAR
U Aung Soe *
1. INTRODUCTION
Avocado was introduced into Myanmar over 60 years ago and it was first planted at
Pyin U Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo), which is a hilly resort with pleasant weather.
Pyin U Lwin is situated in the east of Mandalay. Its altitude is 1,165 metres and the average
annual rainfall around 1500 milimetres. The minimum temperature is 9ºC.
The area of avocado was first expanded to the neighbouring towns of the northern
Shan State and later to Southern Shan State; also, to Kayah and Chin States. Geographically,
all these states are in the hilly regions which have relatively lower temperatures, with
favourable annual rainfall distributed over a period of five months, from mid-May to mid-
October. Avocado continues to be cultivated by the farmers as a backyard crop and no
commercial plantations exist in the country.
The Myanmar Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has
planted avocados in three government farms. These are:
- Dokwin Farm, Pyin U Lwin township, Mandalay Division (0.5 ha).
- Pwaytaung Farm, Pyin U Lwin township, Mandalay Division (5.0 ha).
- Lung Pi Farm, Falam township, Chin State (1.0 ha).
2. PRESENT SITUATION OF AVOCADO CULTIVATION
The cultivated area, yield and production of avocado in different parts of Myanmar
are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Area, Yield and Production of Avocado in Myanmar
District State & Division Cultivated Area
(ha)
Yield
(tonnes/ha)
Production
(tonnes)
Pyin U Lwin
Kyaakme
Lashio
Taunggyi
Loikaw
Falam
Mandalay Division
Northern Shan State
Northern Shan State
Southern Shan State
Kayah State
Chin State
155
115
2,110
1,472
223
35
8
7
7
8
7
6
1,240
805
14,770
11,776
1,561
210
Total 4,110 30,362
* Horticulturist, Myanmar Agriculture Service, Yangon, Myanmar.
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