The Ayeyarwady River is formed by the confluence of Maikha and Malika streams some 29 miles north of the state capital Myitkyina. The Ayeyarwady flows southwards through rock defiles and broad plains. There are some lowlands which are partly surrounded by mountains, the most significant of these are Putao and Bhamo plains and the Hukaung valley.
The climate is greatly influenced by its location and by its altitude. The weather is fairly cold in winter and quite hot in summer. The temperature averages about 60°F in January, and about 80°F in July. Above 9,000', it is almost freezing. Rainfall is fairly heavy. The annual rainfall ranges from 62" to 157".
The mountains are covered with various types of forests ranging from ever green forests through temperate coniferous forests and temperate scrubs to Alpine meadows.The lowlands are covered with tropical deciduous forests containing teak and other hardwoods.
Agriculture predominates; it is confned mostly to plans, and shifting cultivation is still practised. Rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, sesamum, pulses, chillies, onions, potatoes, tobacco, sugar-cane, tea, mustard and vegetables are grown. It is famous for lichees, oranges, grape fruits, chestnuts and peas.
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