Myanmar Coffee History

Myanmar coffee background:

Missionaries initiated coffee growing in Myanmar in 1885 at Myeik and Dawei.
Kayin State (Thaung Daung area) established coffee farms at the same time and produced Robusta coffee which still continues to the present day.
Catholic missionaries introduced Arabica coffee in 1930 to Southern Shan State. Northern Shan State and in Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as May Myo).
From 1930 to 1934, a large (120 acre) Arabica coffee plantation called "Chaungwe" was established at Naung Cho township of Northern Shan State.
By 1935/36, the total Myanmar coffee production was 268 tons with exports at 175 tons. Roasted ground coffee production was 108 tons.
In 1968 to 1994, Ministry of Industry 1 managed the coffee state farms, especially the Chaungwe(NaungCho township), Pwe Daung(Pyin Oo Lwin township).
In 1998, the GOM Heads of Stat laid down a strategy to extend cultivated areas of Arabica coffee up to 100,000 acres.
Suitable areas of 50,000 acres in Mandalay division (around Pyin Oo Lwin) and Northern Shan state (around Naung Cho) were selected.
In 1994, Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation, carried out the cultivation and production of the crop where it remains to the present day.
At the end of 2005, the total planting of coffee was 35,485 acres.
As quality of the coffee bean is important, there will be the best yielding, best quality varieties