Aung Nyein Chan

Myanmar’s sun-drenched vineyards bear fruit

Yamethin Township in Mandalay Region is the largest grape-growing area in Myanmar. Though grapes can be cultivated in many parts of Myanmar, different regions—with differing climates and soil types—require different methods of cultivation. Only sound knowledge can ensure high yields and good quality, fetching decent prices. With a growing number of growers, high quality grape juice, dried grapes, grape jam, grape seed oil, and grape seed powder—on top of wine and fresh grapes for eating—can claim a lucrative share of the domestic market and join Myanmar’s growing exports.     A vineyard with Y-shaped trellises. This means of training grape growth is increasingly widespread in Myanmar. This grape plant is a perennial vine that needs watering once every five days. Though hydrophilic, the plant does not survive in soil with high water retention. Grapes fill markets in March, April and August, with limited availability in other months. After packing, the grapes are sent to the bus station to be distributed across the country. Boxes of grapes are carried by motorcycle to the main road or the bus station. Some wine companies ask for a contract to be signed with growers beforehand outlining the price and desired quantity of grapes to be…