Growers in Sagaing frustrated over lower prices of melons

A decline in the prices of watermelon and muskmelon produced in the Sagaing region has frustrated the growers, said U Wai Myint, the Melon Growers, Producers vice-chairman Exporters Association in Sagaing Region.
“Normally, a truckload of melons are sold out in two or three days. Now, a truck of melons cannot be sold out in a week or ten days. A daily sale of melon is not more than 100 or 200 fruits. But, around 1,000 melons are being supplied daily. The supply and demand are not equal, and therefore, the melon carrying trucks had to queue at Muse Seventh Mile and Fifth Mile.
The previously sold products in 1 or 2 days are sold out only after ten days. Consequently, the fresh melons are no longer fresh,” said U Wai Myint.
Last year, watermelon and muskmelon growers from the Sagaing region lost about 90 per cent. Therefore, the watermelon and muskmelon cultivation dropped drastically this year compared to that of last year.
“This is a terrible year for the local farmers. The farmers have not even got back their capital. The farmers will not lose the profit if they could sell the melon at a rate of 4 Yuan per kilo,” he added.
The Sagaing region grows annually around 20,000 acres of watermelon and 40,000 acres of muskmelon.
The watermelons and muskmelons are produced mainly in Chaung-U township, Sagaing region. — Lulay/GNLM