Bell pepper prices rise again, tomato prices continue to fall

Mekong | July 29 According to the market situation in Aungban town, southern Shan State on July 28, bell pepper prices have significantly increased compared to the previous months, with top-grade currently fetching 3,500 kyats per viss and medium-grade reaching 3,000 kyats per viss, according to market sources. In June, the bell pepper market collapsed in Aungban, Pentaya, and Tikyi townships, with almost no buyers, forcing some farmers to destroy their plantations. At that time, bell peppers only fetched around 500 to 700 kyats per viss, but later, due to a decrease in market supply and a rebound in demand, prices have risen to over 3,000 kyats as they are now. On the other hand, tomato prices continue to fall due to the large volume of arrivals, with bunches fetching only 1,800 kyats per viss, top-grade 1,500 kyats per viss, and small fruits 1,300 kyats per viss. "Last month it was difficult even to sell bell peppers, but now that the prices have risen, farmers can breathe a little easier. However, it will still take time to fully recover the initial cultivation costs," a local farmer from Aungban told Mekong. According to market data, the highest-priced commodities in the current market are tea leaves, dried Shan bell peppers, top-grade golden beans, and high-quality turmeric roots, which are fetching good prices. The lowest-priced commodities, including mustard greens, chayote squash, tomatoes, and corn cobs, remain at low prices. Regional traders have analyzed and stated that commodity prices may continue to fluctuate depending on seasonal supply and demand conditions.