YR expands Robusta coffee cultivation, targets 1,000 acres by 2026-2027

ACCORDING to the Yan­gon Region Department of Agriculture, a total of 33,200 Robusta coffee plants have been cultivated across 77.50 acres of rubber and forest lands in three townships across the region, with 45 kilogrammes of seeds al­ready distributed to local farmers. Currently, the cultivated areas include 4 acres in Twantay Town­ship (Thanlyin District), 50 acres in Hlegu Township, and 23.50 acres in Taikkyi Township (Insein District).

Driven by growing ur­ban coffee culture and the rising popularity of coffee shops, trial cultivation of lowland coffee has been carried out in Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyawady Re­gions alongside traditional highland varieties, paving the way for targeted com­mercial expansion. In Yangon Region, plans are underway to cultivate a total of 1,000 acres for the 2026-2027 season, compris­ing 40 acres in Twantay, 60 acres in Kawhmu, 20 acres in Kungyangon, 100 acres in Hmawby, 500 acres in Hlegu, and 280 acres in Taikkyi.

Robusta coffee is heat-tolerant and thrives in warm, humid lowland conditions through the integration of irrigation, drainage systems, shade intercropping, and organic soil management. Known for its strong, bitter flavour profile with chocolatey undertones, full body, low acidity, and a lingering bitter finish, Robusta is favoured by strong-coffee enthusiasts. Its commer­cial production not only ful­fils domestic consumption demands but also offers valuable foreign exchange potential through interna­tional export. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/ST