On Monday, the Upper House of Myanmar’s Parliament approved a proposal to regulate China-backed banana plantations and levy a tax on the industry.
Earlier this month, Kachin State parliamentarian Dr. Khun Win Thaung submitted the proposal to the Upper House, saying tissue-culture banana plantations operated by Chinese companies are threatening the community’s way of life. Dubbed tissue-cultured bananas, these bananas are grown with Chinese techniques and are bigger than the normal yellow fruit.
The parliamentarian called for government coordination to systematically regulate Chinese companies growing bananas, lessen the negative impact on Kachin State and collect taxes.
As reported by irrawaddy.com, the proposal was passed with 168 votes in favor, four against and two abstentions.
