21 April

 


Grape growers in Meiktila, a town in central Myanmar, said they reaped a healthy profit during this harvest thanks to stable prices in the domestic market.

 


Zin Min Oo, one of the grape growers in Kwetalin Village-tract, said, “For the time being, the market is seeing stable grape prices in Meiltila. Thanks to price stability, local farmers are seeing more profits, than they did at this time last year. Last year, green grapes fetched K1,200-K1,300 per viss (3.6 pounds), while a viss of brown grapes was valued at over K2,000 in the local market. This year sees an increase in prices of both varieties of grapes. At present, the prices of green grapes from farm to market are K2,000 per viss, whereas brown grapes are above K3,000 per viss.”

 


Zin Min Oo said he sells about 500 viss (1,800 pounds) of grapes regularly to wholesalers and retailers.

 


The grapes from Meiktila are marketable, not only in Meiktila but also in other areas, however, it is not easy to estimate price fluctuations of the fruit. The price of grapes is usually on the decline in the rainy season.

 


Commercial plantations of grapes are found in Kwetalin, Magyisu, Htamongkan, Shwetaung, Gwedaukgon and Shante villages in Meiktila. Grapes are also cultivated commercially in Yamethin, Meiktila, Pyawbwe, Monywa, Magway, Pakokku and townships in central arid zone.—Chan Tha (Meiktila) (Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)