Myanmar product: Owl beans dominate Mandalay market

According to beans and pulses dealers in Mandalay, there is a strong demand for owl beans in the Mandalay bean market. This is driven by both domestic market and high demand from China.
Owl beans are being transported from different regions to the Mandalay market. Last year, three baskets of owl beans were sold at an opening price of over K120,000. U Soe Win Myint, owner of the Soe Win Myint Commodity Depot in Mandalay, said, “Due to the increasing demand from China and domestic consumption, the price of a bag of three baskets of owl beans has now risen to K150,000. The owl beans have established a solid market, especially after five years of exporting them to China. These beans, which resemble an owl in shape, are a type of blue Phaseolus bean. They are easy to cultivate and thrive in alluvial lands. Farmers from Yesago call it “mascot beans” because of their owl-like appearance and they have been selling well. With the strong demand from the Chinese market, owl beans have become a promising new export item.” This year, farmers and traders will secure benefits from the current market price of this bean, he added.
It is a main cold season crop in the basin areas of the Ayeyawady, Dokhtawady and Chindwin rivers, such as Pakokku, Yesagyo, Monywa, Myingyan, NyaungU, Kyaukse, Patheingyi, Madaya, Singu, and Sinbyukyun townships. These beans started to be produced in early March, and it yields 35 baskets per acre. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-printing House)/CT