Myanmar’s coconut sees robust demand in Bangladesh

October 20

 

Bangladesh’s demand for Myanmar’s coconuts has picked up, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

 

Myanmar has opened two border posts with neighbouring Bangladesh; Sittway and Maungtaw to facilitate and promote bilateral cross-border trade, raise trade awareness, eradicate illegitimate border trade and enhance the livelihood of the communities in the two border areas.

 

The new export/import items are also increasing following the strong trade on the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

 

Myanmar commenced exports of dried coconut in the 2020-2021 Financial Year (October 2020 to September 2021), with 16 tonnes. The export volume rose to 798 tonnes in the six-month (mini-budget) period (October 2021-March 2022).

 

Myanmar’s export of dried coconut registered 888 tonnes in the first half (April-September) of the current FY (2022-2023). There is a steady demand from external markets.

 

In addition to dried coconut, Myanmar delivered 319 tonnes of fresh coconuts to Bangladesh through the Maungtaw border trade post in the first half of the current FY, with an estimated value of US$0.128 million.

 

It is commonly used in religious events beyond health benefits. That being so, there is a steady demand from Bangladesh for Myanmar’s coconut.

 

Coconut’s health benefits are quick digestion, good cholesterol level, anti-ageing, rich in copper and iron, killing bacteria and viruses, hormone balancing, nutritional facts, better memory, bone health and metabolism. The coconut water content is around 200-1,000 millilitres in one coconut. Coconut water boosts the immune system and has other benefits. It is widely used in making traditional snacks. The coconuts produced from Yangon Region and Manaung, Kyaukpyu and Thandwe in Rakhine State are sent to Bangladesh through the Maungtaw border trade post.

 

There are three types of coconuts cultivated in the southern Rakhine State, delta and coastal regions of Myanmar; tall, dwarf and orange coconut. They can be grown at least 27 °C and under rainfall ranging from 30 to 70 inches. It yields between seven and ten years for tall coconuts, while coconuts can be harvested within three to five years for dwarf coconut trees and orange coconuts produce fruits within five to seven years. A tree can produce about 100 coconuts on average. The yield rate per acre is 5,000 coconuts for 50 trees. — NN/GNLM