Myanmar to expand avocado cultivation as domestic and global demand rises

AS demand for Myanmar avocados increases in both domestic and international markets, the Myanmar Avocado Producer and Exporter Association (MAPEA) has announced plans to expand the cultivation of avocado varieties that meet market needs.

Last year’s avocado season yielded about 3,000 tonnes of high-quality Hass avocados, and this year’s production is expected to be even higher. Reports indicate that demand for locally grown Hass and Buccaneer avocado varieties has been increasing every year, particularly in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, where they are primarily consumed.

“Since Hass avocados are cultivated on about 20,000 acres in Myanmar, we are seeking foreign markets. This year, we plan to primarily export avocados to Singapore and Thailand. The Department of Agriculture and MAPEA are working together to obtain GACC certifica­tion, which will allow Myanmar avocados to be officially exported to China,” said an MAPEA official.

This year, locally produced high-quality Hass avocados will be exported primarily to Singapore and Thailand, according to MAPEA.

Between September and December each year, Hass avocados are harvested in abun­dance and are consumed domestically as well as exported abroad. In addition to Hass, other avocado varieties such as Buccaneer, 034, Booth 7, and Amara are also exported. — ASH/TH