AN association of flower growers based in Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Division plans to start exporting its products to the international market early next year.

“The growers plan to start exporting flowers early next year under the organisation of the new Myanmar Floriculture Producers and Exporters Association,” said U Maung Chit, the superintendent of Kandawgyi National Garden in Pyin Oo Lwin.

He said that following the success of the flower festival held at the garden last December, the ministries of Commerce and Forestry began working with the Woodland Company (which runs the garden) to set up a flower-growing zone in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Following preliminary meetings in January, local entrepreneurs formed the Myanmar Floriculture Producers and Exporters Association, of which U Maung Chit was named the head.

“There are now more than 200 members in the association,” he said. “We only accept serious cultivors as members.”

U Maung Chit said the association provides members with information on growing techniques to help them produce high-quality flowers, and on international markets to help them develop contacts with foreign buyers.
The association also plans to promote organic growing methods to produce more marketable products.

On May 14 officials from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) led by Mr Ralph Houtman met members to develop a cooperative relationship and to urge growers to use environmentally friendly bio-fertilisers.