Potato farmers in Myanmar reportedly said the military Junta's allowance of Chinese potato imports could destroy the local market in the Shan State.
Farmers fear that cheaper Chinese imports will destroy their local market as they may not be able to keep up with higher local production costs. They also complain of a one-sided trade deal with Chinese authorities often restricting export goods from Myanmar, citing Covid-19 concerns. This causes trouble for local farmers who cannot earn extra money through this lack of export market.
Instead farmers are urging the Junta to renegotiate with China to allow their potatoes and watermelons to enter that market again without restrictions.