Coffee, which is the beverage of choice the world over, is extensively being planted in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico and Vietnam. In Asia, coffee seeds are produced in Indonesia, India, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar has the favourable land and weather conditions to plant coffee plantations. About 20,000 acres are under coffee plantations.

The government is encouraging the private sector to grow coffee by providing them with land, distributing high-yielding quality beans, giving loans as well as providing modern cultivation methods to grow coffee plants. The Myanma Farms Enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has provided the necessary inputs such as technical assistance and distributing high quality beans to the private growers.

High quality Arabica, Caturra, Catimor, S-795 and Savanmon beans are being distributed from 795 acres of coffee plantations owned by MFE. Up to 100,000 acres of coffee estates will be expanded within the next five years. The private sector at present has planted 18,000 acres but during 2001-2002 planting season, the acreage will be expanded to 25,000 acres.

Coffee plants are being grown in Pyin Oo Lwin area of Mandalay Region but more estates will be set up in Thandaung region in Kayin State, Tiddin and Falam in Chin State, Katha and Bamaw in Kachin State, Wuntho and Homalin in Sagaing Region, Naungcho, Kyaukme, Lashio, Ywangan, Laksauk, Pindaya, Pinlaung and Kyaington in Shan State as well as in Ingapu and Thabaung in Ayeyarwaddy Region. Per acre yield of about 0.5 tons of coffee seeds are expected.

Seven government owned estates of about 1,000 areas located in Naungcho, Pyin Oo Lwin and Thandaung regions are striving to introduce high quality strains to the public as well as providing technical help to private growers. The private sector presently is engaged in growing coffee in 3,500 acres out of 5,500 acres of land in Pyin Oo Lwin and Naungcho regions, Over 1,000 entrepreneurs and companies are involved in this plantation business. In Bantbwe region, 3,000 acres have been authorized to grow coffee plants and 1,300 have already been utilized by growers. The acreage will be extended to another 5,000 acres during 2001. Private growers are urged to contact MFE in raising this potential export earner. Profit can be realized within 5 years.