Coriander seeds selling well amid strong demand of Bangladesh, Pakistan

Myanmar local spice coriander seeds are fetching high price during the early harvest season of January on the back of spike demand by Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to Mandalay traders.

The coriander seeds can be quickly grown, and the cultivation cost is not high. It is a lucrative agricultural crop. Bangladesh yearly purchases the seeds for making spice powder. This year, Pakistan traders are also buying them.

The opening price touches a high of K14,500 per 8-viss basket (a viss equals 1.6 kg), Soe Win Myint depot stated.

“The selling price of coriander seeds rose from K10,000 registered a year-ago period. The strong demand from Bangladesh and Pakistan drove the price up to K14,500 per basket. The coriander seeds are used as a spice in foreign countries. Local masala businesses also demand it.

Myanmar spices such as coriander seed, fennel seed and black fennel seed have grasped foreign market share, Soe Win Myint depot owner said.

The price of fennel seeds stands at K2,500 per viss, while the cost of black fennel seeds reached a record-high of K8,000 per viss.

Growing coriander seeds start in October. That winter crop is harvest in January. Growers in Mandalay and Magway regions mainly target those spices for the export market.

Min Htet Aung (Mandalay sub-printing house) 
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)