Following the uncertainty in markets of black bean and pigeon peas, which are primarily sent to India, Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association (MPBSSMA) suggested that the growers cultivate black-eyed bean more.
Myanmar can produce black-eyed bean with the lowest level of pesticide compared with other foreign markets. As a result of this, it is highly demanded by European countries. The FOB price of the Special Quality bean is US$1,000 per tonne. There is potential that they will require higher during the harvest time next year and the price remains the same,” market observers shared their opinions.
At present, Myanmar has to export black bean and pigeon peas under a quota system and limit period. Consequently, there is no guarantee that we could get the prevailing market price next year, they guessed.
Since 2017, India has been setting import quota on beans, including black bean and pigeon peas. Therefore, the growers face difficulties to export their beans to India market. On 22 May, India rapidly changed the import period of black bean (400,000 tonnes) to three months by August-end 2020 from the earlier set deadline of March 2021, prompting Myanmar’s bean body to call for an extension of the deadline, as per its official notice. Although the bean body asked to extend the August-end deadline, India still has not responded to the request.
On 1 October, India issued a notification to purchase 150,000 tonnes of black beans instead, and the import deadline is March 2021. The licence will be equally granted for India’s companies.
The black bean was priced higher at K1,135,000 per tonne in the local market on 29 October, on the back of demand by India.
Consequently, the association advised the growers to utilize the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to produce the black-eyed beans of exceptional quality that European market eyes.
Furthermore, those who have difficulty in importing the pedigree black-eyed bean seeds can contact the association.
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
