The practice of deforestation is threatening an area of primary grain productivity in the populous, southeast Asian country of Myanmar. Forests are essential for natural water storage, recycling and soil health, yet many impoverished countries are forced to cut down their forest in order to satisfy increase fuel demands and agricultural expansion. In central Myanmar, the regions of Mandalay, Magway and Lower Sagaing receive the lowest amounts of rainfall in the country. This area is the “breadbasket” for crops that require little rain. However, the area is being threatened by a breakdown in soil structure and nutrients due to deforestation.
The area is home to approximately one-third of the countries population and according to a 2006 report from the nation’s Ministry of Forestry, is losing approximately 800 ha of forest annually.
November 21st, 2011 → 3:10 pm
[...] 14 November 2011: MYANMAR: Deforestation threatens breadbasket [...]