Our first factory! This family-run business makes (we were assured) the very best soybean paste in all of Myanmar.
First, we must have access to the needed raw ingredients. In this case, primarily soybeans and water.
And tools! Of course there must be tools.
The men pour the soybeans into a chute that empties into a vat, where they add water (and maybe other stuff?), boil it over a hot fire, and stir until the mix is thickened. The mix is then poured into the next vat and the next; more water is added; and eventually a thick paste is obtained. I am assured that this is truly delicious stuff.
Now that we have brewed up a vat-full of delicious soybean paste, it goes to the next area of the factory for packaging. This is women’s work.
At the edge of this work area is the home of the factory owner. We ask if we may look inside, and permission is granted.
Hello. My name is Dan and I am looking into how much soybeans are grown in Myanmar. Would you be willing to share what city this soy business was in? Did they raise the soybeans themselves or did they import? Do you have any idea how much soy is being raised in Myanmar? As you may know, there is not much data coming out of that country.
Thank you!
Dan
Hi Dan,
I don’t think I’m going to be able to help you much regarding your questions. The factory was in Bagan, but it wasn’t really in a city. It was in a small rural village, the name of which I don’t know. I do know, however, that it was just a short walking distance to the Ayarwaddy River. Unfortunately, this covers a good part of Bagan province. And I’m certain that they grew the soybeans themselves. So we were told, and honestly this wasn’t the kind of business that would import anything. It was very homegrown. But I can’t guarantee that some soybeans aren’t imported elsewhere for other things. I hope this helps, maybe a little.
Goody luck with your research,
Ginger