Although watermelon is fetching a good price after the Chinese New Year, about 1,300 trucks are now stranded in Muse 105th-mile zone due to China’s two-day closure of border trade. Consequently, watermelon supply exceeds the demand, said Sai Min Thu Naing from Khwar Nyo Fruit Depot.
“The price is regular after the Chinese New Year. However, the two-day holidays of trading disrupted the watermelon transport route. About 1,300 trucks were stuck in the 105th-mile zone. At present, only 150-200 trucks can enter China. So, there is no market equilibrium,” he elaborated.
China shut down the post on 25 and 28 February without a specific reason, resulting in 1,300 watermelon trucks stranded in the 105th-mile zone.
A tonne of watermelon (855 variety) now receives the maximum price of 65,000 Yuan, whereas the regular price is around 45,000 Yuan.
Additionally, about 200 watermelon trucks daily enter the Muse land border. The trucks continue to leave for China via Muse.
Myanmar’s watermelon market earlier relied only on China. Myanmar shipped 45 tonnes of seedless watermelon to the Dubai market in December 2020 and January 2021.
After the country achieves success on the Dubai market, Myanmar plans to expand its market to Hong Kong SAR, the UAE and Qatar, the association stated.
On 5 January 2021, the 105th-mile Fruit Wholesale Centre released a statement that the number of watermelon and muskmelon trucks for exports is set to govern the market.
During the previous financial year, the growers and the traders suffered the loss due to the price instability and transportation difficulties triggered by the COVID-19.
Watermelon and muskmelon will be harvested up to May-end across the country, except Kayah and Chin states. Myanmar yearly exports over 800,000 tonnes of watermelon and about 150,000 tonnes of muskmelons to China, the association stated. — NN/GNLM
