The prices of dried chilli pepper stayed elevated at nearly K20,000 per viss (a viss equals 1.6 kilogrammes), traders said.
During late July, the prices started to break above K10,000 per viss. The prevailing prices moved in the range between K15,000 and K19,500 per viss depending on different varieties (bell pepper, Shankyun, and Moehtaung chilli pepper varieties).
The strong demand by Thailand when Myanmar’s output of fresh chilli pepper declined pushed up the price rise. The prices of dried chilli pepper, therefore, went up, said an official of the Seinyadana commodity depot in Mawlamyine city.
Additionally, the high cost of agricultural inputs and fuel price spike for farm machinery are contributing factors to the soaring prices of chilli pepper, traders shared their opinions.
The prices of dried Shankyun and Moehtaung chilli varieties were K18,000 per viss and dried bell chilli pepper was priced at K19,500 per viss in recent days.
The prices dip for now owing to the suspension of trade by Thailand.
“The price of chilli pepper is correlated with Thailand’s demand. There is no other cause. The price falls slightly when Thailand stops buying,” said an official of the Seinyadana commodity depot in Mawlamyine city.
Myanmar’s chilli pepper is primarily conveyed to Thailand and China via cross-border trade channels, while it is exported to Viet Nam by sea.
It is commonly grown in Ayeyawady, Mandalay and Magway regions and Shan State.
The export varieties of fresh chilli pepper are 692, 777, 999, Demon, Sunshine and Lucky One. – NN/GNLM
