Tariş President: Cotton Producer is Going Through the Most Difficult Season

Tariş: The Cotton Production Crisis is Deepening

İsmail Özer, President of the Söke Tariş Cotton and Oilseed Cooperative, stated that the cotton producers are having one of the toughest seasons in recent years. Özer emphasized the necessity for the government to announce a new support model promptly in December-January.

The Challenges of This Season

Özer expressed that the decline in cotton prices and reduced yields are not pleasing for the producers, stating, "Even a producer who achieves good yields 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 World Markets

Özer remarked that cotton prices are in line with world markets, saying, "Cotton is not just an agricultural product, but the heart of the industry as well. The crisis in cotton creates a chain reaction affecting everything 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 shift towards wheat cultivation. Özer stated, "Wheat planting seems likely to cover at least 50% of the plain. The high costs, low yields, and minimal profits increase the uncertainty for producers." He also warned, "If the current situation persists, Turkey will become increasingly dependent on cotton imports."

The Numbers of the Season

Özer indicated that their target of 30-35 million kg of cotton purchases set at the beginning of the season has reached 22 million kg so far, noting, "95% of the cotton harvest is completed. The low yields have affected our targets. This season, 70-80 thousand tons of seed cotton production is expected in the Söke Plain."