May 2,2022
PRICES of Niger seeds produced in the hill regions are rocketing in Mandalay market, Mandalay bean traders said.
India is the main buyer of Niger seeds, followed by China. The price of Niger seeds was K85,000 per 45-viss bag in the pre-Thingyan period, whereas it dramatically soared to K1,020,000 per bag. Additionally, the yield is pretty good due to the favourable weather condition.
“The Niger seeds are highly demanded in domestic and foreign markets. The domestic producers mill the Niger seeds and they are used as cooking oil in the food industry. They are utilized in the food processing as well as in the cosmetic industry. The locals in Shan State increased the acreage of Niger seeds as it generated handsome income. The fields of Niger seeds in Shan State are like a picturesque scene in December,” U Soe Win Myint, an owner of Soe Win Myint depot in Mandalay said.
The Niger seeds are cultivated only in winter. It can be found only in the hill regions. The yellow fields of Niger seeds in the northern and southern Shan State gives an awe-inspiring view as a picture.
The cultivation of Niger seeds commenced in September and they are in full bloom at the end of December. They are primarily grown in Shan, Kayah and Kachin states. The seeds are delivered to the Mandalay market for exports and distribution to other domestic markets.—Min Htet Aung (Mandalay sub-printing house)/ GNLM
