Feasibility Survey with the Private Sector for Utilizing Japanese Technologies in ODA Project

Feasibility Survey for Igusa (Rush) Production in Myanmar

■Sector	: Agriculture Development / Industry Promotion
■Type of technical service	: JICA’s Proposal Based Programs with the Private Sector
■Duration	: November 2016 – October 2018

“Igusa” (Rush, or Juncus effusus var. decipens) is a raw material to produce Japanese traditional rugs such as tatami mattress and figured mats. Cultivation area of Igusa has drastically decreased in Japan, and China has long been a vital base for raw material procurement, processing and product manufacturing. However, recent rapid economic development in China encourages disengagement of local farmers from agriculture and soring in personnel expenses. Establishment of a new base is indispensable for survival of Igusa industry.

 

There is a Japanese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) that owns specialized know-how of integrated production from Igusa cultivation and processing to product manufacturing. With support from this SME, this survey examined feasibility of an ODA project to extend appropriate Igusa cultivation technology in Myanmar. Through the activities such as Igusa experimental cultivation, information collection and analysis, and discussion with relevant government institutions, an ODA project plan was developed to increase local farmers’ income from agriculture and to explore possibility of base establishment for the Igusa production enterprise.

 

Discussion with relevant government institutions	Igusa seedling before planting	Experimental cultivation at a pilot farm

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Feasibility Survey for Mitsumata (Argeli) Production in Nepal

■Sector	: Forestry / Poverty Alleviation
■Type of technical service	: JICA’s Proposal Based Programs with the Private Sector
■Duration	: November 2016 – October 2018

The fiber from the bark of “Mitsumata” (Argeli, or Edgeworthia chrysantha), originated from southern China and the Himalayas, is known as raw material for Japanese traditional hand-made paper, and is used in making the Japanese Yen bank bill these days.

 

In particular, “Mitsumata” from Nepal is recognized irreplaceable as it occupies a major portion of raw material for the Japanese Yen bank bill production, and securing a certain volume of “Mitsumata” is required. 

 

There is a Japanese SME that has been operating small-scale business of cultivation and processing of “Mitsumata” in Nepal as a part of its poverty alleviation activities. With support from this SME having local experiences and know-how of cultivation and processing of “Mitsumata” in Nepal, this survey examined if it was feasible to develop this business and implement it as an ODA project in poor rural areas in Nepal. Having information collection and analysis and discussion with relevant government institutions, an ODA project plan was developed to promote and expand the business of cultivation and processing of “Mitsumata”.

 

Processing of “Mitsumata” (Peeling)

「Processing of “Mitsumata” (Cleaning)

Planting field of “Mitsumata”

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