STRONG foreign demand drove the prices of sesame up in the domestic market.

The prices stood at K3,900 per viss (a viss equals 1.6 kilogrammes) for big sesame (Samone variety), K3,650 for small Samone variety, K2,900 for winter sesame and K2,300 for brown sesame seeds on 23 March. They reflect a price gap of K550-700 per viss within three months depending on the varieties.

Additionally, those sesame seeds which pass the acid test level receive higher prices.

Myanmar’s sesame is primarily shipped to foreign trade partners. The prices fluctuate on the demand and Kyat value against the US dollar.

At present, the US dollar exchange rate is worth around K2,000.

Myanmar’s sesame was earlier exported to China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and China Taipei (Taiwan). However, it is now relying solely on China and the shipments to other foreign countries have certain difficulties.

Additionally, some re gions turned to other crop substitution over the sesame due to the late monsoon season, resulting in an acreage drop compared to the previous years. The growers also faced a high input burden.

NN/GNLM

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