8 December

Black cumin (black sesame) is being grown in many villages in Natmauk, Yenangyoung, and Salin townships of Magway region on account of strong demand from abroad.

“This time last year, farmers began cultivating some crops on their land. This year, we will grow black cumin instead of other crops because it is highly demanded abroad, and it sells well in the local market, too,” said a local grower from Yenangyoung Township.

“We are growing more black cumin this year because it can be exported to China and Japan. Moreover, black cumin is being used as an edible crop at oil mills and as a raw product to make traditional medicines. So, it has a good market both locally and abroad,” said Kyi Khine, a local grower.

The price of black cumin ranges between K70,000 and K80,000 per basket, according to the local edible oil market.

“Sesame is usually grown in the monsoon and winter seasons in Yenangyoung. Now, the price of sesame has increased because of high demand in both local and foreign markets. There are a total of 43,977 acres under monsoon sesame, 747 acres under winter sesame, and 1,061 acres under summer sesame in Yenangyoung Township,” according to the Township Agriculture Department.—Hsan Nyount (Yenangyoung) (Translated by Hay Mar)