Watermelon farmers in Arakan State hit by low demand and rising costs

By Admin 06 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

6 January 2026, Kyauktaw

Watermelon farmers in Arakan State are struggling to make ends meet due to low demand during the winter crop season, rising input costs and high transportation expenses.

Watermelons are mainly grown in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. Farmers say there are few traders this season, resulting in poor prices.

A female watermelon farmer from Thazin Kardi Village in Kyauktaw Township said buyers no longer purchase entire fields due to transportation difficulties.

"In the past, traders bought the whole plantation. Now, because of poor transportation, they cannot do that. Buyers can only invest about K500,000 to K1,000,000 and purchase a small portion of the crop," she said.

Last year, watermelons sold for between K10,000 and K20,000 per fruit, depending on size. This season, farmers say large watermelons fetch only K3,000 to K7,000.

"Last year, many displaced people were living in the area, so it was easy to sell. Some sold whole watermelons and others sold them in pieces. Now, people have no jobs and no income, so sales are difficult," the farmer added.

Farmers also cite high production costs, including shortages and rising prices of seeds, soil, fertilisers and pesticides.

"A packet of pesticide costs about K50,000. Soil is also very expensive. One bag costs around K300,000," said U Kyaw Win, a watermelon farmer from Thanpyin Village in Kyauktaw Township.

Local residents said strong prices last year encouraged more farmers to grow watermelons this season, increasing supply while demand has declined.

In Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, farmers said the absence of traders has forced them to transport watermelons from village to village. High fuel costs have further reduced profits.

"If we travel to Maungdaw or Buthidaung to sell watermelons, we spend more than K1 million for a one-way trip. A large watermelon sells for about K3,000, so after transportation costs, nothing is left," said Daw Hla Soe, a farmer from Maungdaw Township.

Farmers in Rathedaung Township reported a similar situation. Last year, fewer growers meant higher prices, but this season sales have dropped sharply.

"Last year, large watermelons sold for over K20,000. This year, there are no brokers, so farmers sell from village to village and can only get about K3,000 for a large watermelon," said Daw Kyaw Hla Thein, a farmer from Minshu Village.

Farmers say ongoing military conflict in Arakan State and trade route blockages have weakened the local economy, leaving consumers with little purchasing power.

In Arakan State's agricultural sector, cultivated areas have been shrinking year by year due to seed shortages, high input costs and changing seasonal conditions.