Watermelon and muskmelon made up 80 per cent of the income earned from fruits and vegetables exported to foreign countries, according to the Commerce Ministry.
During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, fruit and vegetable exports accounted for about US$93million in income, with export values of about US$60milllion from watermelon and about 20 million form muskmelon, said U Myo Thu, the director of the Trade Promotion Department.
The market is largely dependent on the Chinese market, however. Therefore, efforts are being exerted to penetrate more international markets, he added.
In addition to watermelons and muskmelons, the country exports grapes, pineapples, bananas, dragon fruit (pitaya) and mangoes. About US$60million was earned from the export of watermelon and muskmelon so far in this fiscal year.
“Currently, Myanmar’s fruits and vegetables are flowing into Singapore and Taiwan, in addition to China. And we are making efforts for the fruits and vegetables market to get access to Russia and the UAE (United Arab Emirates),” said U Soe Than Mindin, the chairperson of Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association.
The prevailing price of watermelon and muskmelon at Muse 105th mile commodity depot is from 2,500 to 4,200 yuan, with an exchange rate of Ks191 per yuan.
Watermelon and muskmelon are mostly cultivated in Shan State, Mandalay and Sagaing regions. The growers plant crops in September. Around 300 truckloads of watermelon and muskmelons are reportedly entering Muse border trade camp a day, it is learnt.
In a bid to penetrate more international markets and to produce value-added products, a public company is being established, according to the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
