Potato price soars in domestic market

The price of potatoes, which is one of the staple vegetables, has been rising in the market, it is learnt. “The country is currently experiencing a sharp rise in potato prices because of the lack in supply of potatoes from China in the domestic market this year. Besides, the growers have not been able to grow the potato to meet their domestic demand,” the potato growers said.
China has halted its border checkpoints this year amid a recent surge in case of COVID-19 infection. Last year, the price of potatoes has dropped due to the influx of potatoes from China, and the potato growers have not been able to get a price on their crops.
On 1 September, the prices of potatoes moved in the range of K500-K1,200 per viss depending on the varieties. On 7 October, the potato dramatically rose to K1,050-K1,850 depending on the size and varieties.
Additionally, the prices of kitchen utensils are rising in the domestic market depending on the strict restriction measures to contain the COVID-19, depreciation of Myanmar Kyat and foreign demand. After potatoes, the high cost of another staple vegetable, onion, is providing to be whammy for households.
In the market, the price of onion was ranged between K200 and K500 per viss on 1 September. But, the price rose to K450 and K950 per viss on 7 October.
The domestic onion price has risen in the market due to the higher demand of Myanmar onion from Bangladesh, said onion traders. — NN/GNLM