Myanmar: Melon exports thriving but local farmers not seeing the benefits

Myanmar: Melon exports thriving but local farmers not seeing the benefits

Wednesday, 29 June 2016 – Melon exports are booming this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce, with nearly 350,000 tonnes of watermelon and honeydew melons shipped out to China, India and other Asian destinations since April.

Farmers have reaped more than US$42 million from the trade, though some complain much of that profit has gone to non-Myanmar growers.

Commerce officials say Myanmar is the biggest exporter in ASEAN of melons and cucumbers.

As of June 17 this fiscal year, 152,757 tonnes of watermelon and honeydew melon worth about $18.5 million, 171,483 tonnes of watermelon valued at $18.4 million, and 26,380 tonnes of honeydew at $5.3 million were exported to China, India, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Read More?