November 8

THE wholesale price of Chinese potato jumped to K3,800 per viss on 7 November amid transport hurdles at the border, which is more than a two-fold increase within two weeks.

Bayintnaung Wholesale Market saw a supply of 12,000 visses of potatoes on 7 November. The price surged to K3,800 per viss from K1,700 per viss on 26 October.

The prevailing price is a new record in history.

Similarly, Kyukok garlic imported from China also dramatically rose to K17,000 in the second week of November per viss from K7,800 per viss in early November. Kyukok garlic price was back in decline at K14,500 per viss on 7 November.

However, Chinese potato prices can decrease only if there is an abundant supply, a potato seller told The Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).

Following the price hike of potatoes in the growing season, growers are expected to increase the cultivation of potatoes in the Sinphyukyun area this year, traders forecast.

Newly harvested Sinphyukyun potato flows into the Yangon market in the early month of the year until mid-April.

On 8 November, the Yangon market will see potato supply from the Aungban area, Shan State. The price is estimated at K3,000 per viss, according to the potato depot from Yetama Street in the Bayintnaung area. — TWA/KK