Yangon – Qahwa World
Myanmar has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand coffee cultivation to 100,000 acres nationwide within the next two years, as part of efforts to boost agricultural exports and enhance rural incomes. The initiative, announced by the Department of Agriculture and reported by state media, includes support for farmers through the provision of seeds, seedlings, and technical assistance.
According to the department, Myanmar currently has about 63,226 acres under coffee cultivation. Two main varieties are being grown: Arabica, which dominates higher-altitude regions, and Robusta, cultivated in lowland areas. Expansion will target key regions including Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Bago, Ayeyarwady, Mon, Tanintharyi, Sagaing, and Magway.
The short-term goal is part of a broader strategy first outlined in 2022, when authorities announced plans to increase total coffee acreage to 300,000 acres over five years. That earlier plan divided cultivation between 200,000 acres of Arabica across four highland zones and 100,000 acres of Robusta across three lowland zones. The latest 100,000-acre target is seen as a first step toward that larger ambition.
Evidence from the regions shows momentum on the ground. In Tanintharyi Region, the Agriculture Department expanded coffee cultivation by nearly 1,874 acres in fiscal year 2024–2025, bringing the total to over 3,000 acres. Officials there aim to add another 1,000 acres in 2025–2026 and have distributed around 170,000 seedlings to farmers alongside technical training.
Coffee has long been considered a promising export crop for Myanmar, though infrastructure and market access remain challenges. A report in 2023 estimated the country’s annual output at more than 9,000 tonnes, with Arabica accounting for nearly 7,000 tonnes and Robusta the remainder. Shan State and other upland regions remain the backbone of production.
Industry observers note that while the government’s targets are ambitious, coffee trees typically require three to five years to reach maturity, meaning today’s plantings will not immediately translate into export growth. Experts also highlight the need for investments in processing facilities, transport infrastructure, and international market linkages to ensure Myanmar’s coffee can compete globally.
Myanmar’s drive to rapidly scale up coffee cultivation underscores its determination to diversify exports and support rural communities. Yet the gap between announced acreage goals and independently verified progress remains significant, leaving questions about how quickly the sector can meet international demand.
