Tariş Chairman: Cotton Producers Are Going Through Their Toughest Season

Tariş: Cotton Production Crisis is Exhausting

Söke Tariş Cotton and Oilseeds Cooperative President İsmail Özer stated that cotton producers are experiencing the toughest 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 decreased yields are unsatisfactory for producers, stating, "Even producers who achieve good yields cannot pay their debts. This scenario is not sustainable. Cotton producers across Turkey need to be supported with a new model."

Parallel with World Markets

Özer mentioned that cotton prices are moving parallel to world markets, saying, "Cotton is not just an agricultural product; it is also the heart of the industry. The crisis in cotton has a chain reaction effect from yarn to textiles. The government needs to intervene urgently."

Producers' Future at Risk

In Söke Plains, it has become inevitable for producers to turn away from cotton and pivot to wheat cultivation. Özer noted, "Wheat cultivation seems to cover at least 50% of the plain. The high costs, low yields, and minimal profits are increasing producers' indecisiveness." He also warned, "If the current situation is maintained, Turkey will become more dependent on cotton imports."

Season's Figures

Özer mentioned that they set a cotton purchase target of 30-35 million kg at the beginning of the season, but so far, they have only reached 22 million kg, saying, "95% of the cotton harvest is completed. The low yields have affected our targets. This season, a production of 70-80 thousand tons of seed cotton is expected in Söke Plains."