Potato and garlic growers in southern Shan State facing losses

Potato and garlic growers in southern Shan State facing losses
Published 13 May 2019
Sithar (Taunggyi)

Potato and garlic growers in southern Shan State are facing losses and some didn't even get their investment this year.

For this year potato season, a viss of potato cost Ks.500 and at the same time, garlic growers also faced losses for two consecutive years according to plantation owner from Heho.

"This year, I've got only what I've invested from potato plantation. It is about one and a half acres of potato plantation. Garlic prices are also declining and not get good price anymore. Because, Chinese garlic entered Myanmar more than we needed. A viss of garlic cost only Ks.350.  Last year , we got Ks.3000 for a viss of garlic. It's been ten times decline. We lost for two consecutive years. When we sold onion and potato, all the farmers faced losses," said farmer Chan Thar from Heho township.

Potatoes are most grown in Phaya Phyu, Nyaung Khar She, Baw Hnin Kone, Myat Sett villages in Heho township as well as  Aungban township. About 80 percent of potatoes are grown in this township.

Farmers desire to get stable prices in garlic and potatoes prices.