Myanmar watermelon traders have begun to feel the pinch of the coronavirus outbreak as Chinese buyers have stopped showing up at border crossings to buy their produce. 26 Chinese buyers failed to turn up as usual at Muse border gate in Shan State, leaving 200 trucks of watermelons and muskmelons without buyers.There are restrictions in Yunan province on gathering at parks and restaurants.

Travel is allowed within the province but not outside.Watermelons are bought mostly by traders from other provinces in China, not from Yunnan.Other traders expressed grave concern over the possibility that Myanmar would impose restrictions on Chinese citizens if the outbreak continues to grow.Many people rely on the border trade, which is worth millions of US dollars. Now health is more important. If Myanmar restricts the entry of Chinese people, it could damage our livelihoods.Watermelons fetch between 2,000 yuan and 3,800 yuan per tonne, while muskmelons sell for 3,000 yuan to 5000 yuan per tonne. Golden honeydew melons fetch up to 4,300 yuan per tonne.

Myanmar has been exporting melons to China since 2005, and last year exported about 800,000 tonnes. Melons rank 17th among the country’s exports, rank 8th among the country’s crops, and are the top fruit export, generating about US$100 million annually. The government recently developed a five-year plan to increase melon cultivation and exports.

Source: Myanmar Times

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