Inlay Lake flooding drives tomato prices to record highs

Inlay Lake flooding drives tomato prices to record highs
Published 15 June 2024

On June 13, tomato farmers reported that the price of Inlay tomatoes has surged to a record high due to reduced crop yields caused by flooding in the tomato plantations of Inlay Lake in Nyang Shwe Township, Shan State (South). 

During the summer, the fields suffer damage from heat, and in the rainy season, rising water levels flood the tomato plantations, leading to decreased yields. As a result, tomato prices have reached their highest levels in years.

In April, when crop yields were low, Inlay tomatoes were priced between 30,000 to 40,000 kyats per basket (30 visses). By May, prices had risen to about 50,000 kyats, reaching 65,000 kyats in early June. On June 8, the price increased again, and by June 13, it had surged to 90,000 kyats.

Despite the record high prices, increased cultivation costs have led to fewer farmers planting tomatoes this year, and only a small number are benefiting from the higher prices.