Macadamia plantation expanded as local/overseas demand rises

The plantation of Macadamia, a perennial crop, is growing in the country for high demand from local and foreign markets. There are over 12,000 acres of plantation across the nation as of this financial year, according to Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (MFVP).
Macadamia nuts are indigenous to Australia and they are medium-sized evergreen trees. A mature Macadamia nut tree can grow up to over 60 feet high and spread up to 40 feet wide. A hundred grams of Macadamia nuts contain calories of 691 kilogrammes, three per cent water, 71 per cent fat, 16 per cent carbohydrates, 2.5 per cent fibre, two per cent potassium and a few calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium in addition to thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
“Although Macadamia nut has large market networks in European countries, we still need the technics. If we compare the products of our country and their nuts, theirs will be two hemisphere nuts after splitting into two. The sizes of our nuts are uneven.
If we want to export, we have to arrange these cases as the nuts are not equal in size.
The nature of the people is that they enjoy with their eyes first and then eat. If they eat the nuts with eyes, our produce might face losses. But they will know the taste if they eat by mouth. The suppliers told us to send quotations,” said MFVP vice-chair U Kyaw Thu.
Although Macadamia trees are not popular among people, they earn proper income and provide good health to a man. Currently, the Macadamia plantation is expanded in certain regions and is mostly grown in Shan State, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Chin and Kachin states. – Pwint Thitsa/KTZH