Plantation owners/workers worry harvest operations threatened by on-going military conflict

September 12, 2023

HURFOM: Armed clashes between the Burmese army and the revolutionary forces have been increasing in Ye Township, Mon State, leaving rubber plantation owners to abandon their workplaces due to security concerns.

They have been unable to do any regular maintenance and fertilization of their plantation.

Now, harvest season is approaching but armed clashes occur often, and owners are worried they will not be able to start harvesting operations.

“The Burmese army launches military operations in response to frequent attacks by the revolutionary forces. We have not been able to go to our plantation for months. We have been prevented from doing any maintenance work. Now we’re worrying that we won’t be able to produce rubber latex in the coming harvest season,” said a rubber plantation owner from Maw Ka Nin village, Ye Township.

Most people between Thanbyuzayat and Ye Township rely on plantations but they are unable to access their workplaces since early August, 2023 due to the frequent armed clashes and military tension.

“Our area has become a battlefield. If we encounter any armed group, we’ll be forced to carry their weapons and supplies. We can’t go to our plantation. We can do nothing for our livelihood. (The armed clashes) will surely be more frequent in the coming dry season,” said a rubber plantation from Hnit Ka Yin village.

With high inflation and commodity prices, and plantation owners unable to prepare for the harvest season, there will be an even more serious financial crisis.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News