Tomato price surge anticipated following sharp decline

Currently, tomato prices have dropped, but it is expected to rise again in the coming month, according to the tomato market.
“Tomato price has declined now. Wholesale centres give a viss free when you buy three visses. It is usual that the price of tomatoes decreases during this period. Farmers who could catch the opening market could make a profit, or they have to give free if they miss. But we can say the market collapsed this year, too. The tomato market usually collapses every year during this period. Tomatoes are mainly produced in Monywa and southern Shan State. This is a transitional time, so farmers from southern Shan State sell at a discount, so the price plunges down severely,” said a tomato farmer from Lashio.
At present, the wholesale price of tomatoes is just K200-K300 per viss, and the tomato market is likely to be good again in April and May.
“The price is just K200 a viss at farms and K300-K400 a viss at wholesale centres. Around April and May, tomato prices usually go up for a while. The price may rise again in the next two weeks. In Mandalay, the price normally goes up slightly when it gets close to Thingyan. Price usually goes up when the supply is going to be short in Monywa and Kyaukse,” said a tomato trader in Mandalay.
Due to a decline in tomato prices, farmers in Pinlaung, southern Shan State, have suffered losses. The tomato price has drastically fallen this year compared to last year. Last year, tomato price per viss was between K2,000 and K3,000, but it is now just around K300, K400 and K600 to the maximum, according to farmers. — Thit Taw/ZS/ED