22 December

Most local farmers from Yezagyo Township are growing Indian-species drumsticks on a commercial scale, said U Mya Thin, a local Indian drumstick grower from Yezagyo Township.

“Local farmers are growing Indian drumsticks and selling them in Yangon and Mandalay, by themselves or through brokerages. Now, there are drumstick markets in those regions,” said U Mya Thin, a local drumstick grower, who has grown six acres of drumsticks in Thanbyarchaung village from Yezagyo Township.

An Indian species drumstick seed costs K 100. The growing time takes 15 days. After six months, it starts to blossom and yield the crops. They are planted about nine feet apart, and farmers cut the hips to prevent slipping, said U Mya Thin.

The raw produce of the drumstick, such as fruits and leaves, are made into finished products. So, foreign countries, such as Japan, Singapore and India, have a high demand for drumsticks. One piece of drumstick is sold for K 200. Each plant can produce three fruits a year, according to local growers.

The drumstick is grown on a commercial scale in Kyaukpadaung, Pakokku, Myingyan, Myitchyay, Yezagyo and Wundwin Townships. The local people are predominantly growing Indian drumsticks. The life of drumsticks is 20 years.—Ko Htein (Ngathayout) (Translated by Hay Mar)