Potato farmers indicate that during this festival time, includ­ing the Kathina robe offering ceremony, potato demand is increasing slightly, resulting in a favourable price and market condition.

“The potato market is nor­mally consistent with regular consumers. However, when the open season arrives, there are religious holidays such as Kathi­na ceremonies and festivals, so purchases increase. That’s why we can say the market is cur­rently good,” an official from the Naungtaya Potato Association told The Global New Light of Myanmar.

Despite the current good market situation, the official noted that this is a period with less potato production, and the supply is less than the demand.

“We have finished consum­ing the potatoes planted in April and May by August, September, and October. Now, the early-mon­soon potatoes are becoming scarce. Also, the potatoes plant­ed in August haven’t been har­vested yet. So, during this time, although demand increases, the supply is lower,” he explained.

However, the new potato harvest is expected to start again in December, and by March, potato will be abundant, which should bring the market back to normal levels. The official add­ed that if the domestic potato market maintains a reasonable price range, farmers are likely to increase potato cultivation. — MT/ZN