Pineapple growers call for official export channels to China

Pineapple growers call for official export channels to China

Image result for pineapple farm in MyanmarPineapple growers are asking the government negotiate official exports of the crop to China as soon as possible, a farmers association says.The call comes after pineapple cultivators suffered estimated losses of K700 million (US$458 million) during the previous harvest season when China suddenly banned imports of the fruit from Myanmar, the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association (MFVP) revealed.

The Ministry of Agriculture needs to work on behalf of local farmers to discuss the export of fruit crops to China and conduct timely pest risk analysis and risk assessment of local crops meant for export. Some 90 percent of Myanmar’s avocadoes are normally exported to Thailand and talks should be held with China to expedite formal sales ahead of increasing harvests of the crop. Myanmar is expected to negotiate China’s buying of pineapple and avocado during a meeting of on China-Myanmar border trade coordination set to take place soon before official export permits are granted.

The MFVP says for avocado and pineapple growers to prosper, the country needs capital investment in related small and medium enterprises (SME) to build packaging factories and dehydration plants to produce export-quality value-added goods..SMEs face many difficulties providing collateral and meeting banking requirements for loans so the government should step in with funding, MFVP officials feel.Official export procedures are lengthy as fruit exporters need to go to different departments to seek necessary documents and approval, and export licences often expire.

Source: Myanmar Times

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