Solar Power and Regenerative Agriculture in Burma

            Since I have been unable for personal reasons, to visit Burma in 2015 and continue our training program, I felt that we shouldn’t hold the series of fundraisers that we usually put on in November. Instead, the Solar Roots Board of Directors and I decided to hold a Celebration of Burma event as a thank-you for all our supporters and donors.

            Well, it was quite an organizational challenge, taking at least 3 Board meetings to determine goals assign, tasks and assemble the equipment needed for such an event. But the Solar Roots Board was equal to the challenge. Everyone pitched in and we were able to pull off the event off in grand style. We were extremely fortunate to have the use of a beautiful back garden and performance space in the Berkeley hills and our sincere gratitude is owed to Kirsten for providing that for us.

            The event ran from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday September 6^th and it was a glorious sunny day in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just as well, as one of our key demonstrations was of our solar powered irrigation pump! Our Board member, Chris set this up and showed that even a small pump with 150W of solar panels could move more than 4 gallons per minute, in full sun. In another demonstration, Board member Sanya displayed the power of our stoves by quickly boiling water, which was then used to serve Burmese tea. Our part-time employee, Ms Thida Win, visiting the US at this time, was on hand to show guests how the Burmese use Tha Na Ka, which is a paste made from a tree branch, to beautify their faces and protect their skin from the sun. We were fortunate to secure the services of Ms Suu Wei, who regaled the audience with haunting vocal melodies and accompanied herself on the Burmese harp. A real high point of the proceedings was the serving of several dishes of Burmese food provided by Rangoon Superstars Restaurant in Berkeley. Just before the concert, I gave a short update on the current political situation in the new Burma, which is not always reported in its entirety, in the popular Western press. Following that, I summarized where Solar Roots fits into that picture and I described our goals for the next 5 years, which includes the establishment of a Renewable Energy Training Center and the hiring of local Burmese employees, who will be able to give trainings in remote areas and eventually run the organization.

            All in all, it was a glorious day, much enjoyed by all those who attended and I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to Kirsten and all the Solar Roots Board members, who worked so hard to make it a success.