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SHAN STATE – Sources close to the market shared that farmers are suffering losses as the price of potato from southern Shan State dropped by over half compared to previous years.
Potato harvest for this month reportedly only went for around 1500-1700 Kyats per viss, seeing a decline by almost half the price from last year of 3500-4000.
“If we go and sell it to the retailers, we can get around 2,500 (per viss) but it isn’t much difference when you add in the fuel and transport costs. I don’t even dare think about planting potatoes next year,” said a potato farmer from Naungtayar.
The main reason for the drop in potato price is said to be due to the increased production, the import of potato from China and the retailers buying cheap from the farmers and reselling at high prices.
As the cost of farming such as fertiliser, pesticide and labour costs rose in 2024, not getting a good price for potato is a huge blow to the farmers.
Farmers shared that potato is planted in regions of southern Shan State such as Pinlaung, Naungtayar, Bawsai, Heho, Pindaya and Ywangan, using water channel method or above ground method.
In southern Shan State, potatoes are harvested biannually in July/August and March/April.