In Myanmar, Replacing Poppy Plants with Coffee

[Jonathan Fairfield]

In Myanmar, Replacing Poppy Plants with Coffee

Large numbers of opium poppy plants grow in the mountains of Myanmar’s Shan State. In fact, Shan State is the second-largest opium-producing area in the world.

After a drop in production during the 2000s, the number of poppies has risen in the past eight years. Some experts have linked the increased production to a growing demand for the drug heroin in China. But Myanmar’s poppy farmers are now earning less on their crops.

Now, the United Nations is hoping many will decide to grow coffee instead.

For years, thousands of Shan State farmers have earned more profit from sales of opium poppy than from other crops. But poppy prices fluctuate; they may rise one month, but fall the next.

Read more: http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/myanmar-replace-poppy-with-coffee/2875959.html

[50baht]

Let's face facts. If you can make more growing Coffee , farmers will do it. (IN BURMA)

I for 1 would like to be sales man for "Golden Triangle Coffee"

Slogan.."It makes me Sleepy before work"

[fvw53]

A new coffee plantations requires average 8 years before the first harvest : can a poor farmer wait such a long period?

[MILT]

A new coffee plantations requires average 8 years before the first harvest : can a poor farmer wait such a long period?

Actually that is incorrect...With regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning...Coffee Trees can start producing coffee in mass in roughly 4 years.....

Its a great Idea but not for short term benefits! Coffee is a commodity that will always be around. Question is this...Coffee requires regular watering at a minimal to see full production and health of the trees.

Dry seasons and any long term drought may force growers to exacerbate the water tables to maintain production. Brazil coffee took a major hit recently do to drought conditions. For the long term, coffee is a great substitute for opium. 4 years plus, IMO is to long to wait for first harvest and seeing any dividends. I don't know what price they get per kilo for opium. Thai Arabica green bean is holding roughly at $2.00 give or take per metric ton....

[Tomtomtom69]

A new coffee plantations requires average 8 years before the first harvest : can a poor farmer wait such a long period?

Actually that is incorrect...With regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning...Coffee Trees can start producing coffee in mass in roughly 4 years.....

Its a great Idea but not for short term benefits! Coffee is a commodity that will always be around. Question is this...Coffee requires regular watering at a minimal to see full production and health of the trees.

Dry seasons and any long term drought may force growers to exacerbate the water tables to maintain production. Brazil coffee took a major hit recently do to drought conditions. For the long term, coffee is a great substitute for opium. 4 years plus, IMO is to long to wait for first harvest and seeing any dividends. I don't know what price they get per kilo for opium. Thai Arabica green bean is holding roughly at $2.00 give or take per metric ton....

After 2-3 years they can already get their first harvest, though only after 3-4 years will the yield start to be significant.

A prolonged dry period during the harvesting/processing season is good for dry processing as there is little chance of rain and thus sun drying of cherries or beans becomes an option.