June 19
BOTH locally produced garlic from Shan State and imported Kyukok garlic experienced price increases in mid-June. Compared to the previous year, prices have doubled at the beginning of the new crop season, according to a garlic depot seller on Yetama Street (Bayintnaung).
In the wholesale market, Kyukok garlic reached a high price of K6,800 per viss, while Shan garlic was priced between K5,500 and K7,000 per viss, depending on quality and size.
Local garlic was priced at K4,200 per viss, while Kyukok garlic was K3,750 per viss on 11 March 2023. However, in early June, prices surged to K6,000 per viss for Shan garlic and K6,800 per viss for Kyukok garlic.
Kyukok garlic is commonly used in restaurants due to its ease of peeling, while local garlic, which is smaller in size, is favoured by housewives for its stronger and better taste.
Although hundreds of thousands of onions are exported annually to foreign markets, there is an influx of garlic and potatoes from China. Garlic prices have been consistently rising since the post-Thingyan period, as reported by a trader to the Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).
The accompanying photos showcase locally produced garlic from the Aungban and Taunggyi areas, which are popular choices among housewives. — TWA/EM
