China’s robust demand elevates chaste tree berry price

Chaste tree berry, naturally grown in central Myanmar, has brisk sales in the Mandalay market on the back of strong demand from China. Price is higher than last year as well, traders said.
The chaste tree berry is abundantly flowing into the Mandalay market.  It fetched only K3,000 per viss in the year-ago period. China’s demand pushes up the price to K18,000 per viss, said U Soe Win Myint, an owner of Soe Win Myint depot.
“Chaste tree is naturally grown in the central Myanmar regions. It is commonly found along Ayeyawady and Chindwin riverbanks in tropical regions. They grow best in sandy soil. It is utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing. It is a lucrative herb. Locals are doing a roaring business this year. There is an old saying that an ignorant person walks over a pot of gold. Our country is rich in resources,” he said.
The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) produces berries in July and August. The chaste tree berry was exported to the China market on a trial run ten years ago. Thereafter, it grasped a market share in China. Large quantities of chaste tree berry from Minbu, Salin, Sagu, Yenangyaung, Chauk, Popa, Kyaukpadaung, Myittha, and Meiktila areas are entering the Mandalay market. The Chaste tree berry market is bustling. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House)/GNLM