14 October 2008

Teak plantations are on the rise in Myanmar

Recent news reports from Myanmar have indicated that plantation areas have been growing in recent years, particularly in the Pyinmana and Taungdwingyi districts where conditions are highly suitable for growing world class teak. The Forestry Department of the Ministry of Forestry has planted teak on the Bago Yoma mountain range in the Pyinmana District as part of the Ministry’s greening project of 2004-2005. Further actions under this greening plan are being undertaken during 2008-2009 (see Other reports have indicated that two privately owned teak plantations have been established: a 5,000 acre teak plantation in Kyangin Forest Reserve in the Ayeyarwady area and a 1,700 acre teak plantation in Taungnawin Forest Reserve of Paukkhaung Township. Both private entities planted teak in deforested areas after 2006. One owner of the forest plantations noted that he would wait about six to seven years before harvesting the trees, instead of maintaining the stands for about 40 years. The government has also been conducting work to assist others in managing and establishing plantations. The Ministry of Forestry and the Myanmar Timber Entrepreneurs Association (MTEA) jointly held a seminar on 4 October in Yangon to discuss these themes. Participants at the seminar examined the specific subjects of timber certification and wood industry development and identified opportunities to establish teak plantations.