Farming Communities
Situated in Si Bu village, Ahle Kayan village tract, Pekon township, Southern Shan state, our farmers cultivate amidst breathtaking mountains ranging from 900 to 1,500m. With a population of over 100,000, our community thrives, with the majority being the Kayan ethnic group, alongside the Shan, Kayah, Pa-O, and Bama ethnic groups.
Agriculture is our way of life, and our dedicated farmers grow an array of crops, including chilli, black cardamom, turmeric, pigeon peas, rice, and corn. Comprising 409 growers, including 212 women and 197 men, our farms span 202.4 hectares, producing an average of 60 viss (100kg) per acre.
Specialising in Myanmar chilli, our bountiful harvests, intercropped with ginger and garlic, grace flowering from August to October, with a rewarding harvest season stretching between November and March. Embodying the essence of Myanmar's agricultural heritage, our passionate farmers nurture and deliver the finest quality products to spice up the world.
Farmer Development Programme
At Kayan Farmer Enterprise, we are deeply committed to uplifting our farmers in Myanmar chilli and spice production through comprehensive training and assistance:
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Processing Excellence
Our training includes improved processing methods, adding value to our products
1
Agricultural Improvement
We help farmers enhance practices like mulching, pruning, and soil erosion management to maintain soil integrity during heavy rains
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Certification Support
We offer extension support, assist with paperwork, and maintain sustainable production to help farmers obtain and maintain certifications
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GAP Implementation
We guide participating farmers in achieving Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification for chilli and turmeric farms
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Organic Practices
We help farmers in applying organic fertilisers and organic pest and disease control substances for eco-friendly production
Through strategic partnerships with DEAR Myanmar (Development for Environmental-Friendly Agriculture and Rural Life of Myanmar), an indigenous non-governmental organisation, we ensure farmer success through the Farmer Field School (FFS) system, regular learning sessions, and a contract farming system that provides interest-free loans. Our initiatives create job opportunities, improve quality, and secure a fresh chilli supply estimated between 4,000 and 5,000 viss per year.
DEAR Myanmar continues to promote GAP adoption and Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) for long-term yield and environmental preservation. As we expand our network, we collaborate with other supply chain actors, including edible oil, onion, and packaging material suppliers, for a holistic approach to success.
