COFFEE TRAINING REPORT

Chin State (UNOPS/UNDP)

Community Development Program for Remote Townships

Introduction:
Between the 17th of October and the 11th of November, 2000, U Aung Kyaw Oo (Regional Director) and Mr. Tluang Lian Than (Training Supervisor), of the staff of Golden Triangle Eco-Resources Ltd., under a special consultancy contract with the UNOPS/UNDP Community Development Project for Remote Townships led and conducted "Coffee Training Seminars" for farmers in 21 villages in Chin State. The training seminars were conducted in the Northern Chin State, in the Tidim, Falam, and Haka regions. In total 647 farmers received the trainings, which were also attended by 20 outside observers. (Please see Appendix A). The trainings, which also included manuals and charts in the local regional languages, were conducted for the purpose of educating the farmers in the proper methodology for harvesting and processing their coffee, as well as educating them on pricing and marketing their coffee. The purpose of the trainings was, through practical education, to increase the income the farmers derived from their coffee and thus benefit the welfare of themselves and their families.

How the Training Seminars Were Conducted

The subjects covered in training seminars were as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The difference between ripe and unripe coffee cherries The proper methods for picking and harvesting the ripe coffee cherries The proper method for floating the cherries to remove bad and diseased ones The proper methods for drying the cherries The proper methods for storing the cherries The need for proper mechanical methods of crushing the cherries, so as not to lose income from bad processing 7. The relationship between the local market price and the world market, and how to calculate the correct price they should receive for their coffee. 8. A warning of the bad practices of some local brokers that derive them of income and reduce the future market potential of their coffee 9. The opportunities for increased income presently available to them, through the proper care in harvesting, processing, and marketing of their coffee.

The training seminars took about four hours each, and were conducted in the local language utilizing teachings materials and charts also in the local languages. (Please see Appendix B for copies of the charts utilized) Each training seminar began with brief explanation of the "History of Coffee in Myanmar", the subjects to be covered in the seminar, how these subjects effected the way the farmers dealt with their coffee and the impact it would have on their income, and how by implementing the methods being introduced and working together we could build a good reputation for Myanmar coffee on the world market, increase its market value, and thus increase the income derived by the farmers to support their families. The training seminar then went on to explain the necessity of picking only red and ripe cherries, not unripe green ones, and how the farmers lost money by picking and selling green cherries, as they sold by volume and the green cherries were smaller and had a lower market value. The training also emphasized the importance of picking selectively and not stripping the plants, as by this method they could obtain a second and third harvest each year and would also not damage the plants. We went on to explain how and why they should float the cherries, as this would remove most of the bad and diseased cherries that reduces their value and could infect the good ones. Then we discussed the importance of laying the cherries on mats to dry in a timely fashion, and as rapidly as possible, to keep them from fermenting and getting moldy. We also discussed the proper methods for drying the cherries on mats and the need for regular turning three or four times a day to ensure even drying. In this section we also gave instructions on the need for proper storage to avoid contamination by bad odors and excess humidity that would cause the cherries to rot. In villages where the coffee was already ripening, we gave practical demonstrations on the methods for identifying cherries ready for harvesting, how to pick them, how to float them to remove the bad ones, and then how to properly lay them on the mats to dry. Processing was then explained and the importance of using mechanical means for crushing, so as not to bruise and break the green beans. It was also explained through charts the cost benefits to be accrued by not crushing and selling the cherries direct to professional processors, as to crush by hand is extremely time consuming and reduces the value of the cherries. An explanation was then given about the relationship between the local market price and the world market price, and by using charts the farmers were given a formula, including all costs that would be incurred in between them and the export of the coffee, whereby they could accurately estimate the true value of their coffee so as not to get cheated in the market.

There was also a warning given regarding the unscrupulous practices of some brokers that cause the farmers to lose money and that reduces the future value of the their coffee. They were advised to try and sell their coffee direct to professional processors and exporters. The lessons given in the training seminar were then summarized and a summary sheet given to the farmers. At the end of the seminar the farmers asked questions and held discussions with the trainers and observers. The farmers stated that as a result of the training they were more interested in growing and processing coffee correctly. Most of the questions concerned agricultural methods. The most commonly asked questions were as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. When and how to best plant coffee What are the best varieties of seeds to plant What kinds of soil the coffee should be planted in and how to prepare the soil How to properly fertilize and water the plants How to properly prune the plants What are the signs of diseases How to protect the plants against disease and pests

Comments:
Based on our experiences with other coffee trainings in Myanmar we can say the trainings were extremely successful, as the farmers took great interest in the lessons given, paid close attention, took many notes, and were active in the question and discussion sessions. Our people also checked and evaluated the coffee growing conditions in Chin state and can say there is a great potential for the farmers to develop commercial plantations with an expectation of success and good profits. The UNDP and Project staffs were all extremely professional and most helpful in the setup and conducting of the training seminars. They also provided all assistance required by our staff and worked hard to ensure the success of the training seminars.

There were some problems encountered that should be addressed for future trainings. They were as follows: 1. Training manuals not delivered in time for the first two weeks of trainings. There were only manuals in the Falam language, and they didn't arrive until the Hakka trainings, as a result no one received books in their language 2. A large problem was the practice of only inviting 20 people in each village by name, with the requirement of they're being more women then men. In some villages coffee farmers were interested and not invited to attend, while some of the participants were not even coffee farmers. It is important that the farmers receive the information first hand 3. The practice of only giving each village six training manuals. In our experience every farmer should receive his own training manual, in his own language so that they can refer back to them later, as in fact they don't tend to hand them around

Suggestions for the Future:

We would suggest that more training be conducted on agricultural methods of planting, growing, fertilizing, and pest and disease control. It would be more effective if videos could be made and/or used that would provide more visuals and could show examples of each subject covered. If possible assistance and programs should be established to help the farmers set-up their own coffee drying centers and processing plants in order to maximize the profit from their coffee. It could also be good to establish local nurseries to provide the framers with high quality seed so they can establish commercial plantations and to assist them in the set-up of such plantations.

Summary:
The trainings were highly effective with great interest being shown by the farmers. The growing conditions and potential for the commercial planting of coffee in Chin State are extremely favorable. Given more training and technical assistance it should be possible to provide the regional farmers with a cost effective sustainable method to increase their income for the benefit and welfare of them and their families.

_____________________________ U Aung Kyaw Oo Regional Director Golden Triangle Eco-Resources Ltd.

Appendixes

Please find attached the following Appendixes: A. B. C. D. Coffee training locations and attendees records Informational charts used in the training seminars (English version) Maps showing the locations of the training seminars Maps showing the locations of the proposed "Drying Centers" in the first phase