Japanese white sesame commands high prices in Mandalay

The Japanese white sesame fetches high prices in the Mandalay market, and the transactions are also good, according to Mandalay sesame merchants.
The Japanese white sesame is mainly supplied from Thedaw, Wundwin, Myittha and Kyaukse, and it reached a record price at K450,000 per bag (three baskets per bag) yesterday, said U Soe Win Myint, owner of the Soe Win Myint Commodity Depot in Mandalay.
“The Japanese white sesame from Kyaukse enters Mandalay market. It is called Japanese white sesame, and we started growing the Japanese sesame here over ten years ago. The unusual fact of Japanese white sesame is that it is whiter than normal white sesame, and the sesame seeds are thicker and bigger. It is more marketable. Among white sesame, yellow sesame, brown sesame, black sesame and normal sesame, the Japanese white sesame and Samone black sesame were the most popular in the sesame market. The Japanese white sesame possesses a strong market in China. The Chinese use sesame in manufacturing processes for cosmetics, snacks and medicines in addition to their local consumption. The demand is also high,” he said.
The sesame can be grown as double-crop in every season. It can be harvested within 100 days and sold quickly. It is mainly grown in Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing regions. The Japanese white sesame from Kyaukse district of Mandalay Region holds the highest preference among people. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House)/KTZH