Plantation owners in Ye Township are experiencing plummeting prices of fruits such as durian, mangosteen, pineapple and melons. Due to a suspension of trade, other products like rubber and the harvesting of betel nuts are also suffering.
Ye Township has the second-largest population in Mon State, with many residents involved in these industries. There are more than 150,000 acres of rubber plantations, making the township the largest producer in the state.
Due to COVID-19, many are jobless as plantation businesses have been halted.
There are reports of no fresh durian and mangosteen in the city markets. Despite the limited local supply, dealers are only buying these fruits at a low price. “In previous years, one durian cost around 6,000 kyats. Now, we have to import it with the price of the 3000 Kyats,” said Ko Lwin, owner of a guesthouse, store, and plantation.
The compulsory quarantine rules are also impacting businesses. Ko Lwin added, “Because it is compulsory to stay-at-home, all of my business — the guesthouse, store, and plantation have to be closed. We have to make advance payments for April. If the situation takes longer than this, it will threaten the safety of our family. We have plenty of time to access news as we stay at home. When reading news, we notice that the government has been unresponsive until now,”
Others are also feeling the impacts according to Mon businessman, Nai Soe Mon, he will not be able to continue supporting his workers if the COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing.
“When business is halted, we cannot expect businessmen to continue supporting their workers. No business owner can tolerate losses longer. The workers will need to find a way to solve their [financial] issue. We have not yet seen any assistance from the government to solve the current difficulties,” said Nai Soe Mon.
Due to the threat of rapid spread of COVID-19, many factories in Yangon, Irrawaddy, and Pegu region have been suspended, resulting in more than 20,000 factory workers facing unemployment.
Fears are growing about the widespread impacts that COVID-19 can bring, especially if the virus spreads rapidly to the point of a country wide lock-down. Business owners are worried that all production may be halted.
Mon State will also likely face further challenges due to the annual monsoon floods.
The ripple effects are far reaching as the pandemic may impact the general election and the peace process.
