In western Dee Maw Hso Township, Karenni State, prices of certain agricultural inputs have risen above normal prices due to more than a week of road blockages preventing the inflow of goods, according to local vendors dealing in agricultural supplies.
One buyer reported having to pay up to 10,000 MMK more than usual for some goods.
“Fertilizer is being supplied in full-kilogram quantities per bag, which is a positive. For corn seeds, there are one or two varieties available—some cost 145,000 MMK per bag, others 100,000 MMK. For smaller quantities, a pyi (about 2.1 kg) of corn seeds is now 17,000 MMK. Prices are going up like that,” a buyer explained.
The ongoing closure of the main supply route from Taungoo into western Dee Maw Hso has now extended beyond a week, effectively cutting off the area from incoming deliveries. With the planting season currently underway, local farmers are urgently seeking to source and purchase essential agricultural inputs amid mounting supply shortages.
“It has been over a week since goods last arrived. Even when supplies do come in, transporters rely solely on the blocked route from Taungoo,” the vendor explained. “The situation is already challenging, and with the rainy season approaching, it is likely to worsen.”
Currently, prices of fertilizer, herbicides, and corn seeds are visibly increasing, said a shop owner from Cherri Gone market who deals in agricultural inputs.
“Fertilizer prices have gone up. When you factor in transportation costs and the need to make a profit, it naturally drives the price higher. More than that, it’s also about the fact that the items simply aren’t available. With no supply coming in, we’re running out,” the owner said.
At present, a pyi of corn seeds is being sold at 17,000 MMK, and a full bag ranges between 100,000 to 150,000 MMK. A bag of fertilizer (brand: Myae Kabar) is priced at 140,000 MMK, while a commonly used herbicide, Armo, costs up to 43,000 MMK. Within just one week of road closure, agricultural input prices have risen by as much as 10,000 MMK.
Besides agricultural inputs, prices of construction materials, essential food items, and other general goods are also reportedly on the rise in western Dee Maw Hso due to the ongoing roadblock.
