Coriander seed prices rise on strong foreign demand

Myanmar local spice coriander seeds are fetching a high price in August on the back of spike demand by Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, said Mandalay traders.
The coriander seeds can be easily grown and the cultivation cost is not high. It is a lucrative agricultural crop. Bangladesh yearly purchases the seeds for making spice powder. This year, Pakistan traders are also buying them. The price stood at US$650-700 per tonne, Soe Win Myint depot stated.
“The selling price of coriander seeds rose from over K10,000 registered a year-ago period. The strong demand from Bangladesh and Pakistan drove the price up to K15,000 per basket. The coriander seeds are used as a spice in foreign countries. It is also demanded by local masala businesses. Myanmar spices such as coriander seed, fennel seed and black fennel seed have grasped foreign market share, Soe Win Myint depot owner said.
Growing coriander seeds starts in October. That cold season crop is harvested in January. Growers in Mandalay and Magway regions mainly target those spices for the export market. – Htet Myat/GNLM