Myanmar: Banana Plantation owned by Chinese companies raises local concerns over land and environmental problems
In 2016, the media reported the emergence of the Chinese investment allegedly involved in the land confiscations by renting land for banana plantation from local authorities in Kachin state where the land grabbing was widespread and longstanding. Along with the expansion of the banana plantation, villagers displaced by fighting and living in IDP camps increasingly concern their land may be occupied, and they will not be able to farm when returning home.
In February 2018, about 200 villagers in Waingmaw in Kachin State protested against Chinese companies that are planting tissue culture bananas, which they say are causing land and environmental problems. Objection letters signed by some 800 residents were sent to the chief minister’s office twice last year… After the protest, the township administrator asked the Chinese companies to acknowledge their protest letter and told them to begin work after getting permission from the national and state governments.