THE Thanaka market has recovered during Thadingyut Festival (mid-October) after the market slowdown during the pandemic, said Thanaka growers from Ayadaw Township.
Thanaka, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark, is a natural cosmetic in Myanmar.
“Thanaka is selling well during Thadingyut Festival. Myanmar people love to use Thanaka as a cosmetic. The collapse of the Thanaka market during the COVID-19 resulted in decreasing Thanaka farms. At present, Thanaka growers cultivate them again,” said a grower.
Additionally, the value-added Thanaka products such as Thanaka powder are also seen in the domestic market, said a seller.
“The fullmoon day of Tabodwe is designated as Myanmar Thanaka Day. After that, the number of consumers has significantly risen,” said a trader.
The prices of a Thanaka plant move in the range of K5,000 and K10,000. The plant which was earlier worth about K15,000 is sold at K10,000 in maximum at present. Some farm owners turned to other crops and harmed Thanaka quality a bit.
“Thanaka has grasped a market share in the domestic market. The neighbouring country Thailand is eyeing Thanaka powder and so, it has market potential,” said a member of the Myanmar Thanaka Planters and Producers Association.
Pakokku Thanaka warehouse, Mandalay Thanaka warehouse and Ayadaw Thanaka warehouse are the main suppliers of Myanmar Thanaka, said the traders.
There are nearly 200,000 acres of Thanaka in Sagaing Region and Ayadaw Township has over 100,000 acres. – Lu Lay/ GNLM
