OF two kinds of butterfly beans in Shan State, Pinlon-produced and Hopong-produced, the first one gains more popularity than the latter, according to the Aungban vegetable market.
Pinlon-produced bean has thin skin and is profitable for sellers as it is sold in condensed milk cans.
“Pinlon-produced butterfly bean is more attractive as it has thin skin and more beautiful and more profitable for sellers who sell it in condensed milk can. Its price is higher than Hopong-produced beans. We have loads of orders placed from Yangon, Mandalay, Pyay and Paungde but Yangon is the largest. We ferry Pinlon-produced butterfly beans to Yangon daily. Butterfly bean season is short and it is going to end next month,” said Ma Nyo Lae Yi, a vegetable and fruit distributor from Aungban Township.
In February 2023, a butterfly bean plantation was initiated on trial in Kayin State’s Thandaung Township and was successful and the production was even able to fulfil the domestic demand. In January of the same year, it was also tested as a small-scale project by underground water in Magway Region’s Pwintphyu Township and also brought a fruitful result and profits for farmers. — Thit Taw/ZS