Low output of betel farms drives leaf price up

The decrease in the yield of betel leaf caused by the consequences of Cyclone Mocha and other negative reasons pushed up the price, the brokers pointed out.
The price of betel leaf at the farm is estimated at K16,000 per viss. Yet, it surged to K35,000-40,000 per viss in the retail market following the low production.
“The betel leaf price usually declines this time every year. The price is rocketing this year”, said a farm owner.
The erratic weather wreaked havoc on the betel farms. Also, pests destroyed farms, resulting in yellowing, curling and crinkling in leaves. The yield dropped due to the pest invasion, strong wind, flooding and decreasing number of farmers, the agriculturalists emphasized.
The price went up when the demand surpassed the supply.
The betel leaf fetched a high of K9,500-10,000 per viss in mid-June 2022. The low supply is a fundamental cause of the price increase. The betel farmers were bitterly battered by the torrential rain, said U Win Naing, a farmer. — Lu Lay/KK