Chickpea market remains flat amid transport problems

The chickpea price remained flat in March-end and early April, owing to the transport problems triggered by political changes.
The trading nearly comes to a halt in the Mandalay market. The price moved in the range of K69,000-72,000 per bag, depending on the varieties.
However, the chickpea growers expect a good price in the harvest season amid low yield this year.
On 5 February, the prices of chickpeas ranged between US$1,365 and $1,385 per metric ton, Bayintnaung market’s data showed.
Bayintnaung wholesale centre, a primary market for exports via maritime trade, has been closed down since 11 February.
At present, the domestic bean market is positively related to supply and demand law. The black bean price depends on the buyers and sellers. There is no official set price, the traders stressed.
“The prices usually fluctuate depending on supply and demand. When the peas are loaded on the ship, the prices climb up. At present, the market is slowing down due to transport problems and transaction difficulties”, said a trader from Mandalay who shared his opinion.
Myanmar exported chickpeas to India, Pakistan, UAE, Turkey and other foreign markets last year. The chickpeas are cultivated in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Sagaing and Ayeyawady regions and Nay Pyi Taw. There are 890,000 acres of chickpeas across the country.
The peas are cultivated in October and November, and they are harvested in the January-April period.
More than 249,245 tonnes of various pulses and beans were exported to foreign markets between 1 October and 4 December of the current financial year 2020-2021, with an estimated value of US$217 million. The chickpea exports accounted for 1,549 tonnes, generating an income of over $997,000, the Commerce Ministry’s data indicated. — KK/GNLM