Sesame traders in Mandalay have reported flourishing trade activity as Japanese white sesame floods the market at a favourable price. The supply of this sesame variety mainly originates from Kyaukse Township. Over the past year, the price has surged from K270,000 to K373,000 per three-basket bag, indicating a significant rise in value, according to U Soe Win Myint, owner of the Soe Win Myint Commodity Depot in Mandalay.
The Japanese white sesame, introduced in Japan a decade ago, stands out for its exceptional qualities. It boasts a whiter colour and thicker seeds compared to regular white sesame, making it more marketable and lucrative. Among the various sesame varieties available, Japanese white sesame and black sesame (specifically the Samone variety) enjoy high demand in the market. Chinese buyers eagerly purchase the entire supply of Japanese white sesame, utilizing it extensively in the cosmetic, snack food, and traditional medicine industries. With abundant harvests expected in July, the demand for Japanese white sesame is projected to increase further, driving the price upwards.
One of the notable features of this sesame variety is its year-round cultivation capability, with a harvest time of approximately 100 days. This commercially valued product is commonly cultivated in Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing regions. Among these regions, the Japanese white sesame from Kyaukse and Ledwin districts holds the highest preference among buyers. — Min Htet Aung/EM
