Chinese demand drives plum prices up

Plums from Singaing and Patheingyi townships are fetching a good price during plentiful harvest period on the back of China’s strong demand, growers said. The maximum price of the best quality plums in the Muse border market is 40-50 Yuan per 16-kg box, while fair quality plums are priced 25-40 Yuan per box. “The plums cannot be shipped to China due to the COVID-19 crisis in China during a year-ago period. This year, plum growers reaped fruitful results such as high yield, high demand and reasonable price. The order will grow more prominent during the Chinese New Year in February 2021,” said a grower U Myint Swe from Setawlay village from Patheingyi Township.

Myanmar’s local product plums are mainly exported to China. Additionally, it is sold to local retailers and jam businesses. The growers also expect more export market potentials. The plums are mainly delivered to lower Myanmar, including Yangon. The prevailing price is K6,000-7,000 per box, Naymahtiaung plum trading business in Singaing Township stated.

Earlier, plum growers heavily relied on festivals and religious events. This year, they turn to the retail market instead. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down Shwesettaw Pagoda festival and other events such as Nat Pwe (spiritual rituals), said growers from Minbu area. The retail sales of plums from Laybin village in Minbu town are pretty good due to its taste.

“I previously sent plums to shops displayed at Shwesettaw Pagoda festival and other events. I retail them at present. Some even purchase them at our farms. I have 200 plum trees in my farm and can earn about K400,000 a month,” said Ma Khet Khet Wai, a plum owner explained.

The plum prices move in the range of K800-1,500 per pyi (2.13kg) in the domestic market. The plums do not have other input costs. The plums are ripe in December, and it can be harvested up to March-end, the growers said.
 
The plums are famous local products for Shwesettaw pilgrims, a grower from Minbu said.

Min Htet Aung/ Zayyatu 
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)