Durian traders in Ye Township,Mon State, say that although market prices are high during this season, profits remain low due to poor yields and rising transport costs.
In April and May, early-season wild durians are selling at 40,000 to 200,000 kyat per fruit depending on size. Grafted durians are also fetching about 24,000 kyat per kilogram in local markets.
However, traders say transport costs from Ye to Mawlamyine have sharply increased, reducing overall earnings.
“Even though prices are good, transport is expensive. Sending over 300 durians to Mawlamyine costs more than 400,000 to 500,000 kyat just for the truck. Fuel is also hard to get,” said a female durian buyer in Ye Township.
She added that extreme heat and fuel shortages have affected irrigation, causing many young fruits to fall before maturity. This is expected to reduce this year’s total output.
Despite these challenges, demand remains strong in Mon State markets. Traders say Mon and Karen durians are among the most popular and best-selling varieties.
“Business is still good. Buyers in Mawlamyine take all the durians we send. People here prefer wild durians more than grafted ones,” said a durian farmer from Ye Township.
Durian in Mon State is mainly grown as Thai grafted varieties and local seed-grown types, and is supplied to markets in Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw.
The main durian season runs from June to August. Farmers said last year’s early rainfall helped stabilize production levels.
