Introduction of Thanakha (Limonia acidissima) and a Diversified Farming System into Yinmarbin Township, Sagaing Region, Myanmar

Abstract

In the Dry Zone of Myanmar, the traditional upland farming systems were able to secure people’s home consumption with adaptability to the environment, in addition to providing income. In the recent decades, local people there considered the introduction of new cash crops to increase the yield and income compared to those in the conventional cropping systems. Kyauk Pyote village, one of the typical upland crop-producing villages in Yinmarbin Township, Sagaing Region was studied for the introduction of thanakha (Limonia acidissima), a highly promising cash crop with adaptability to the agro-environment in the Dry Zone, based on farm household interviews and field observations. In this area, sesame, pigeon pea and tomato were traditionally cultivated for daily foods and basic household needs. The local people introduced thanakha and diversified their farming systems for food and income security, and crop diversification might generate a higher income and contribute to rural development. Although commercial cultivation has widely expanded in the surveyed area with villagers’ expectation, the introduction of thanakha is at a trial stage and has not produced profits yet.