Supply problems breathe new life into nipa palm business 

By Admin 22 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
22 May 2024, Sittwe

The nipa palm thatching business is reviving in Arakan State, with many residents opting for nipa palm thatch to roof their houses ahead of the rainy season as junta travel restrictions and fighting have severely limited the supply of corrugated roofing sheets or tarpaulin sheets in the market.

In previous years, 100 sheets of nipa palm thatch sold for just 8,000 kyats, but they are selling for 20,000 kyats now, according to nipa palm thatching business owners.

Nipa palm thatching business owner Daw Kyawt Yin from Mrauk-U town said: “We have seen a surge in demand, and the prices have also increased. We are making profits.”

The business of nipa palm thatching in Arakan State had almost died out over the past few years as people preferred to use corrugated roofing sheets. But they are not easily available currently and their prices have soared.

The demand for nipa palm thatch has increased as residents whose houses were damaged by junta artillery strikes and arson attacks need roofing ahead of the rainy season.

“We can’t afford to buy corrugated roofing sheets, but we need a roof for the coming rainy season even if the roof is not durable. So, many people are buying locally produced nipa palm, which is easily available. And we are living in a displacement camp, so we just bought nipa palm for temporary use,” said a displaced woman from Ponnagyun Township.

Nipa palm is mainly grown in Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, Myebon, Ann and southern Arakan State townships. Many nipa palm plantations were destroyed by Cyclone Mocha in May of last year, and production is low despite high demand.

A nipa palm business owner in Ponnagyun Township said: “The demand has increased, but the supply can’t meet the demand.”

According to the regime, more than 231 acres of nipa palm plantations were destroyed by Cyclone Mocha, which hit Arakan State on May 14, 2023.