Myanmar conveys Seintalone mango to China on trial run

Myanmar delivered Seintalone mango varieties to China with a road test from 27 April, said U Kyaw Soe Naing, general secretary of the Myanmar Mango Market and Technology Development Association (Mandalay).
“One 12-wheel truck carrying Seintalone mango left for China on 27 April. We still do not know the market condition,” U Kyaw Soe Naing elaborated.
He added that we still cannot evaluate the transportation cost, duration, and price conditions.
“It is just a trial run. We still do not know how it will be placed in the Chinese market and how much it will be offered,” U Kyaw Soe Naing was quoted as saying.
Myanmar’s mango exports to China face a series of challenges, such as China’s restriction in some border areas amid the COVID-19 and delays related to the COVID-19 containment measure (COVID-19 test for food packaging) and transportation costs. As a result, mango farmers are keen on delivering to the domestic market only at present, Sai Khin Maung from the Khwanyo fruit depot said.
Additionally, Good Agricultural Practice is required for exports to China. He urged those stakeholders in the supply chain, including workers, employers, and growers, need to take special care of hygiene practices and COVID preventive measures (wearing masks, gloves, washing hands, and sanitization on baskets and cartons).
Of about 200 mango varieties that originated in Myanmar, Seintalone, Shwehintha, Padamyar Ngamauk, Yinkwe, and Machitsu varieties are primarily grown. The foreign market prefers Seintalone varieties.
Ayeyawady Region possesses the largest mango plantation acres, having about 46,000 acres. Bago Region is the second-largest producer with 43,000 acres, and Mandalay has 29,000 acres of mango. According to the association, there are over 24,000 acres in Kayin State, over 20,400 acres in Shan State, and over 20,000 acres in Sagaing Region. — NN/GNLM