MYANMAR golden bananas (Shwe bananas in the Myanmar Language) are selling well despite the shortage, according to the banana retail market in Monywa township.
Their prices are also rising due to increased consumption.
“Shwe bananas are not easy to transport, so we only sell them in Monywa. In the Monywa market, Shwe bananas have become a rare commodity, and consumers like them. Now, sales are increasing, the price is good, and the taste is unique. Everyone who has eaten loves them. Some people in Monywa don’t know the name of Shwe bananas which are mostly grown in Ayeyawady Region, Kalaw, Taunggyi in Shan State, and other cold regions,” said Ko Win Myint Htoo, a Shwe banana grower in Monywa. Golden bananas require more care and labour than other varieties, so there are very few farmers in Monywa. However, this year’s yield is good in terms of income, he said.
“There are very few people who grow Shwe bananas in Monywa because they require a lot of care while other varieties require just regular watering, ploughing, and weeding. This year’s yield is not bad in terms of income. We sell one plant for about K35,000. In a balanced plant, there are four, five or six hands,” he explained. — Thit Taw/ZN
