Pineapple output decreases in Shan State, fetching good prices

Mekong, July 7 Farmers in the Sai Khone region of Sai Sai Township, southern Shan State, told Mekong that although this year's pineapple harvest has decreased compared to previous years, prices have risen due to market demand, allowing them to fetch good prices. According to the farmers, currently, wholesale brokers are coming to the villages to buy pineapples, and they can also be sold in local markets, so the market situation is better than in previous years. The farmers stated that although this year's pineapple harvest has decreased compared to previous years due to weather and cultivation conditions, in farms with good cultivation and care, the fruits are large in size, sweet, and have market-ready quality. "Last year, we only got about 1,300 to 1,500 kyats per pineapple, but now we can sell them for up to 2,000 to 2,300 kyats. We are getting good prices because the output is low," a local farmer told Mekong. Pineapples are typically harvested twice a year, during the rainy season and the dry season, and if the harvest is large in the dry season, it tends to be small in the rainy season. It is known that the yield is good for about three years after planting, but the yield decreases as the plants age. Currently, the harvested pineapples are mainly exported and sold in the domestic market. Wholesale brokers are transporting and selling them to Yangon, and they are also distributed and sold in Taunggyi city and local shops. The farmers said that although transportation and production costs are increasing, the current prices are profitable. However, they are hoping for market stability, as prices could fall if pineapple production increases in other regions. Furthermore, during periods of high pineapple output, difficulties in selling arise due to small fruit size and spoilage from sun exposure. Therefore, farmers have urged for support in technical and home-based industry training to produce jams, juices, and other value-added finished products. Additionally, local farmers stated that more traders and brokers need to enter the market to enable exports to foreign markets, and a fair and stable market for both consumers and producers is necessary.