Neighbouring countries’ demand for Myanmar kidney beans pushes up prices in Mandalay market

Mandalay market sees an abundant supply of kidney beans and the demand of neighbouring countries drove the price up, said traders.
There is an ample amount of supply from the Bhamo, Katha, Htigyaingt, Kalay and Kalewa areas in the Mandalay markets. The kidney beans fetched K150,000 per three-basket bag in the corresponding period last year. This year, the price nearly doubled to K290,000 per bag, said Soe Win Myint, an owner of Soe Win Myint depot from Mandalay.
“Kidney beans are doing a roaring trade in the Mandalay market. Both China and India are purchasing them in the competitive market. The price is therefore rising. Both the yield and the price are high this year. Chinese buyers come to Bhamo and Katha areas to buy kidney beans. Mandalay market sees brisk sales of kidney beans. Also, countries in the Middle East and Europe buy them every year. The market is bustling with the growing foreign demand year over year”, he elaborated.
It is a winter crop. It cannot be grown in any place as it is not well adapted to high temperatures and heavy rain. It is primarily produced in Htigyaingt, Katha, Bhamo, and Shwegu areas along Ayeyawady River Basin and Kalay, Kalewa and Gangaw areas along Chindwin River Basin. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House)/EM