Govt approves sisal cultivation on idle land
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock
and Irrigation stated that the government will grant a permit to use vacant,
fallow and virgin land for sisal production in line with the existing law.
Sisal, a tropical and sub-tropical
plant, thrives in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, and this drought-resistant
plant can be grown in dry regions. Sisal plants can reduce soil erosion, and
they are resilient to natural disasters compared to other crops.
“The ministry will provide technical
assistance as well as help fulfil seed requirements. Land permits will be
granted under the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Management Law. The ministry
will coordinate with the Myanmar Investment Commission if they want to
establish related factories on the land. Sisal can grow best in Myanmar as it
has arable land and a suitable climate. Therefore, we like to encourage sisal
cultivation,” said an official from the ministry.
Value-added products from sisal fibre can
generate greater profit than raw materials. Some entrepreneurs eye
value-addition to sisal.
Sisal fibre is mainly cultivated in
Brazil, Tanzania, Mexico, Kenya and Madagascar. China is the world’s largest
sisal importer and also the leading sisal manufacturer with value addition for
exports. — ASH/KK
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