The global COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in the worst financial loss in history for Myanmar’s melon export through Muse, with growers anxious the situation will not improve after the Thingyan holidays

The global COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in the worst financial loss in history for Myanmar’s melon export through Muse, with growers anxious the situation will not improve after the Thingyan holidays.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 to date, the loss in Myanmar’s melon exports is estimated to have reached around US$65 million (K90 billion), said Myanmar Melon Growers, Producers and Exporters Association Chair U Naing Win.

“I have been exporting melons to Muse for more than 20 years. This is the biggest loss in my life. Currently, the loss is worth about US$65 million. I do not dare to think about the situation if it remains unchanged or unimproved even after Thingyan. We will lose a lot of money,” U Naing Win said.

“I am praying that the market will bounce back. But the melon market will not return to normal as long as the virus is not under control,” he added

Exports of melons only take place between October and the end of May because the harvest season in China begins in June.

The Myanmar Melon Growers, Producers and Exporters Association chair requested the government to hold a fair in Yangon to promote sales and support farmers.

“The government will allow us to sell until coronavirus outbreak is suppressed. Around 130 tonnes of watermelon and muskmelon were sold at the five-day fair. This meant that local demand is there,” he said.

“Recently, watermelon and muskmelon traders were allowed to sell at a fair at Myaypadaytha Kyun in Yangon. Those who want to sell their goods can contact the association.,” said U Naing Win.

The lessons we learned from this is that it is vital to establish a local market for melons and the people must be told that the fruits are beneficial to their health, he added.

The association says it will cooperate with the Ministry of Commerce to look for alternative markets for the country’s melon crops.

Currently, about 300 watermelon and muskmelon trucks are arriving at Muse daily, but volume of exports to China is barely enough to offset the packing and transportation costs, U Naing Win said.