During our visit to Pha Yar Gyi Gone, we had the opportunity to bring roasted coffee to the group and taste their own coffee with them. Some members liked the tastes of their coffee more than others, but one thing they all had in common is dedication to producing excellent quality specialty coffee.
Over the past few years, the core working group has increased from 13 to 25 members, and they have donated some of their coffee profits to the local school and investing in more drying tables. The group is also motivated to improve their drying area situation. Their current location is currently so far away from a water source that they have a ‘water motorcycle brigade’ to transport water during harvest season. They are hoping to use solar panels to provide electricity at the drying table area this coming season and trouble-shoot how to find a drying-table area closer to the village.
The village, like many in Southern Shan State, has an ancient monestary and pagoda that has been renovated and expanded over the years. We look forward to our next visit to this fantastic and motivated community.
Coffee Stats:
- GPS: 20.9438, 96.56603
- Elevation (masl): 1,323
- Coffee producers: 223 members, with 25 members in core working group
- Coffee varietial(s): 85% Catuai
- Estimated 2019 Production: 8MT / ~130 x 60kg bags
