In Bogale Township, resident U Soe Tint of Satkyun village-tract is leading the cultivation of wild almond trees as a cost-effective alternative to traditional soil. With preparations underway for a three-acre cultivation post-rainy season, U Soe Tint, who tends to 20 acres of almond trees, shared insights with The Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).
Situated 11 miles from Bogale the area mixes fresh and saltwater, subject to seasonal changes entering the Kason month. Diesel for water-pumping tractor driving is a significant expense at K72,000 per four-gallon jerry-can.
The planting cost per acre, including fuel, amounts to approximately K150,000. The planting, initiated this month, anticipates a harvest in April, spanning four months. The project provides free seeds at a rate of two baskets per acre. One acre yields about 60 baskets, making the endeavour economically viable at K150,000 per acre.
Bogale Township is set to witness 1,600 acres of almond tree cultivation this year, with plans to expand to 30,000 acres next year. U Soe Tint emphasized the dual benefit of fruit harvesting and using plant stalks as fertilizer, reducing reliance on costly imported fertilizers.
Almond trees planted near the village monastery lake are thriving, reaching an estimated height of five feet. According to the township-level Agriculture Department, utilizing almond trees as a natural green fertilizer alters soil properties and facilitates nitrogen transmission, impeding grass growth in crop fields.
The initiative promises economic benefits and addresses environmental concerns, showcasing the potential for sustainable agricultural practices in the region. — TWA/TKO
