29 July
Pumpkin growers in Lewe Township, Nay Pyi Taw, said they are facing losses due to a poor harvest this season on account of heavy rainfall.
U Kyaw Lwin, a grower from Kuthabeik Village in Lewe Township, said: “Heavy rains this planting season have led to an increase in production costs, resulting in a decline in production.” There are more than 350 households in Kuthabeik Village. This year, the village cultivated pumpkins starting April. The fruit is harvested between July and September. Every year, the villagers sell pumpkins to other regions and states through the Meiktila wholesale and retail markets. This year, the growers have continued to sell pumpkins to Mandalay, Monywa, Myingyan, Taungtha, Kyaukpadaung, Kume, Mahlaing, Thazi, and Wundwin townships through Meiktila. Depending on their freshness, large-sized pumpkins are currently priced at K1,400 per fruit, medium-sized pumpkins are fetching K1,300, while small-sized pumpkins are selling for K700 in the domestic market. — Thein Myint Kyaw (Meiktila) (Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)
