![](https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo-4.jpg)
Volunteer Post
From Tree to Market, Adding Value and Diversity to Locally-Grown Mangoes (Mandalay)
Dwayne Deppe
The Myanmar office recently said good bye to another volunteer, Brian Flanagan, here by way
![Comparing mangoes that did not employ carbon-paper bags to protect them from fruit flies (green) with bagged mangoes (yellow)](https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo-1.jpg)
of Cornell University. Brian spent two weeks in Yangon and Mandalay, where he sampled the local culture (and many a mango along the way). In partnership with the Myanmar Fruit, Flower, & Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association, he advised local mango farmers on improving their post-harvest techniques, quality, and quantity, and how to increase value-added products.
![Brian Flanagan in front of a mango cart coming in from the field for distribution and processing](https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo-2.jpg)
Brian in his own words: “I enjoyed getting a taste of Myanmar in the short time I was here. I was amazed by the history, natural resources, and culture of the country which most Americans know little about (including me before my assignment). I was pleasantly surprised [by] how welcoming and cheerful people were, from the people I interacted with in the trainings to the random fruit vendors on the street I bought fruit from. I cannot think of any other place that I have traveled to that the people have been as friendly as in Myanmar.
![Spooning cooked mango out to dry, the last step in making mango leather. The drying process can take several days, depending on the weather. (Photo: Yee Yee Thant)](https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo-3.jpg)
For my assignment I was impressed by the Myanmar mango varieties. Knowing I was going to be near the origin of mango I thought they would be good and I was not disappointed. Many of the cultivars have great taste and texture which competes with any other mangos I have had.
I was also happy to learn about the international market available to Myanmar throughout Asia… With some work on improving and maintaining mango fruit quality, along with marketing, there is a lot of potential. I have no doubt that with the quality people I meet working on production, processing, and exporting that the industry will continue to grow both locally and internationally in the years to come. I hope I have an opportunity to come back to see how the industry continues to progress.”
![Final stop: purchasing mango leather to bring back to the office (photo: Brian Flanagan)](https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/photo-4.jpg)
Both the local office and the farmers hope Brian can return as well. Until then, lank kha yee chaw mwe bar say (safe travels)!