December 9
THE number of potato growers in the Naungtaya region, Pinlaung township, Shan State (South), have declined this year compared to that of last year, according to the Sandar Kham Naungtaya Potato Association.
“Only a few people are growing the potato plantation this year because of they are facing soil problem, agricultural technology, import of potato from external countries and rising of potato seeds and fertilizer. In line with the spiraling cost of other daily essentials, the retail price of potatoes has also risen sharply. But the growers don’t dare to grow the potato because they worry to face the loss when the other species of potato will come out in the market,” said U Khun Hsan Oo, chairman of the association.
The potatoes from the Naungtaya region are conveyed to the Aungban and Yangon Bayintnaung commodity depots.
On 8 December, the potato in Aungban township are priced at K2,200 per viss for S2 size, K2,100 for S1 size, K1,700 for ok size and K1,200 for A1 size. Currently, the number of potato growers has dropped by half in the Naungtaya region.
Naungtaya is one of the largest potato growing regions in Myanmar. The potato is grown mainly in monsoon and winter in Shan State.
There are over 90,000 acres of potato plantations across Myanmar. About 600,000 tonnes are produced yearly. Local potato consumption is estimated at 350,000 tonnes. — Khun Aung (Naungtaya)/GNLM
