Myanmar delivered over 110,000 tonnes of tissue-cultured bananas to China in the first quarter (April-June) of the current financial year 2024-2025 through border posts in Kachin State, U Aung Lwin Oo, deputy head of Kachin State’s Agriculture Department said.

Myanmar exported tissue-culture bananas to China through Lweje and Kampaiti border posts in Kachin State. Last FY, Myanmar placed over 490,000 tonnes of tissue-cultured bananas in China in the 2023-2024 FY.“Myanmar transported 3,107 trucks loaded with 77,000 tonnes of tissue-cultured bananas to China in April, 1,226 trucks carrying over 31,000 tonnes in May, and 136 trucks with over 4,000 tonnes in June. At present, growers are caring for tissue-cultured banana plants. They are cultivated around Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamao, border areas of Kachin State and Sagaing Region,” he elaborated.

A total of 32 registered companies for tissue-cultured banana export to China have over 50,000 acres in Kachin State. They are designated for exports only,not for domestic consumption. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, there were 70,000 acres of tissue-cultured banana, and 50,000 of them remain. An acre can generate earnings of US$6,000. As it is a commercially valued and lucrative crop, cultivation acres should be expanded.