Tariş President: Cotton Producer is Going Through the Hardest Season.

Tariş: Cotton Production Crisis is Exhausting

Söke Tariş Cotton and Oilseeds Cooperative President İsmail Özer stated that cotton producers are going through the most challenging season in recent years. Özer emphasized the necessity for the government to announce a new support model without delay in December-January.

Challenges of This Season

Özer expressed that the drop in cotton prices and the decrease in yield have not pleased the producers, saying, "Even a producer who achieves good yield cannot pay off their debts. This situation is not sustainable. Cotton producers across Turkey need to be supported with a new support model."

Parallel with Global Markets

Özer stated that cotton prices are aligned with global markets, saying, "Cotton is not just an agricultural product; it is also the heart of the industry. The crisis in cotton creates a chain effect from yarn to textiles. The government needs to intervene urgently."

The Future of Producers is at Risk

It has become inevitable for producers in the Söke Plain to turn away from cotton and towards wheat cultivation. Özer noted, "Wheat cultivation is expected to cover at least 50% of the plain. High costs, low yields, and meager profits are increasing the producers' uncertainty." He also warned, "If the current situation persists, Turkey will become more dependent on cotton imports."

Season Figures

Özer indicated that they had set a cotton purchasing target of 30-35 million kg at the beginning of the season, but so far they have reached 22 million kg, stating, "95% of the cotton harvest has been completed. The low yield has affected our targets. This season, 70-80 thousand tons of seed cotton production is expected in the Söke Plain."