Demand for Arakan State oysters declines

By DMG 11 Dec 2022

DMG Newsroom
11 December 2022, Sittwe

The prices of oysters produced in Arakan State have dropped due to a decline in demand from markets outside the state, according to business owners engaged in oyster farming.

Demand has declined significantly, said oyster farmer Ko Sanay Maung from Kyaukphyu Township, who said his sales went from some 3,000 oysters per day to just over 200 per day now.

“There are no buyers this year. The demand from cities outside Arakan remains low even though we offer lower prices. People there are also suffering from economic hardship, so they are spending less on consumption, and wholesalers are therefore not buying from us,” he said.

Oysters farmed in Arakan State enjoy their most significant demand from Yangon and Mandalay, as well as Lashio, Muse and Myawaddy townships. But as demand has dropped, prices have fallen, according to oyster farmers. The price of an Arakan State oyster has dropped from around K1,500 to K800.

Oyster farmer Ko Kyaw Nyein from Ramree said he has stepped away from the business because of sluggish demand.

“Though business was very good before, I took a break earlier this year because these days I can hardly cover the operating costs. So, I had no choice but to take a break,” he said.

The decline is partly because oysters are being imported from abroad, said oyster farmer Ko Khaing Aung from Ramree.

“Big oysters are imported from China through the border. Their oysters are much bigger than ours. So, people buy imported oysters and not ours. Oysters imported from China are also cheaper. So, our oysters are not selling at all. It is also partly because people are spending less on consumption,” said Ko Khaing Aung.

Oysters are mainly farmed in Ramree, Kyaukphyu and Gwa townships. Oysters caught from the sea are grouped depending on their sizes, and are bred for around two months in seawater before selling, according to oyster farmers.