Water scarcity leads to drop in cabbage yield, price rise

THE production of cabbage has declined due to extreme heat and water shortage in Aungban of southern Shan State, which, in turn, has led to a low supply of the vegetable in the Yangon market in the second week of June, driving up prices.

With large cabbages priced at K3,500 per viss (1.6kg), most restaurants have replaced the vegetable with papaya and onion. Some spring rolls sellers have currently suspended operations as the price of cabbage has doubled in the market, according to one seller.

When the wholesale price of cabbage stood at K3,700 per viss in December, 2015, the price ranged between K500-1,000 for one cabbage, depending on the size. At present, onions are priced at K800-K850 per viss, and the price of cabbage has risen to K500-600 from K200-K250.

Cabbage cannot be cultivated in regions with scarce water supply. Although the price of cabbage has increased due to low yield, it is expected to fall in July. —Khin Sai (Translated by La Wonn)