ChaungU Township supplies 40 trucks of muskmelons to the Muse market every day, stated U Soe Lwin, chairperson of Sagaing Region Watermelon, Muskmelon Growers and Producers Association.Last year, muskmelon growers faced losses due to the low price. The price rose slightly in the second week of December 2019.

Some muskmelons were damaged by the poor rainfall. The growers had to use irrigation water to maintain their operations. Muskmelon prices currently range from K400 to K850 per kilogram. Because of the high input cost, the growers can cover their cultivation costs only if they charge K850 per kilogram. They can earn a profit only if each acre produces about 10 tons of crops.

There are more than 30,000 acres of muskmelons in the Sagaing Region and over 10,000 of them are managed by the ChaungU Township.Watermelons and muskmelons top the list of fruits being exported to China, and the export volume has increased significantly year-over-year. If growers follow GAP guidelines, they can charge higher prices. But most of them are still using pesticides. Myanmar’s watermelons and muskmelons have grabbed a large market share in China.

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar

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