The Department of Consumer Affairs (Shan State) revealed that vegetable purchases remained stagnant in late September as flooding disrupted transporta­tion.

 

Floods and heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Yagi cut a swathe of destruction across some townships, including Taunggyi Township, southern Shan State. Consequently, the supply of vegetables from Taung­gyi Township to other regions and states fell drastically.

 

Locally fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, chayote, pumpkin, green pea, okra, tomato, drumstick, gourd, marrow, mustard leaf, water spinach, roselle, gourd leaf, pumpkin leaf, spinach and lettuce were earlier placed on the market at a cheaper rate. The extreme weather conditions caused vegetable consumption to slow a bit amid higher prices in the domestic market.

 

Meanwhile, there is a roar­ing trade of vegetables in the floating market in Hpa-an, Kay­in State, despite high prices in September. Submerged farms and high input costs raised the price, according to Kayin State’s Department of Consumer Affairs.

 

The Agriculture Department has urged farmers to grow cash crops in flood-damaged fields. It will provide practical support to replant crops in time before the season ends. The department has been joining hands with re­lated organizations to provide technical assistance and agri­cultural needs. — KK