Pajau Media
March 17, 2025
Sugarcane farmers in Mansi and Manwin, Kachin State, are facing significant challenges as they have yet to harvest and sell this year’s crop, despite sugarcane being their primary source of income.
Unlike last year, when all the sugarcane had already been harvested and sold by this time, farmers are now struggling as the planting season has arrived while their previous crops remain unharvest.
“This year, it’s not possible to harvest all the sugarcane and sell it to China like in previous years. Only one truck per sugarcane farm is allowed for transport. A draw system determines when a plantation owner can use the truck, and only when their turn comes can they harvest and sell. That’s why it has been so difficult,” explained a local sugarcane farmer.
Farmers along the Chinese border have faced difficulties exporting their crops over the past two years, and the situation has worsened as China continues to limit sugarcane imports.
Additionally, many farmers rely on fertilizers borrowed from China, repaying their debt after selling their harvest. However, with no sales this year, they are struggling to settle their debts.
The Manwin region has long been a hub for commercial sugarcane cultivation, but as sales decline year after year, farmers are questioning whether to continue growing sugarcane. Some have already begun replacing sugarcane with paddy as an alternative crop.
News – Zaw Mai
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