Attachments
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Winter grains production in 2015 forecast to increase from previous year’s drought-reduced level
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Below-average cereal harvest gathered in 2014
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Cereal imports expected to increase, exports to decline in 2014/15
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Aggregate food price index increases
Favourable production outlook for 2015 winter grains
Harvesting of winter grains is expected to commence in May 2015. Current indications point to an above-average wheat output this year, following the drought-reduced harvest of 2014. The improved production prospects mainly reflect abundant moisture levels on account of heavy rains and adequate mountain snow, which is expected to result in a recovery in yields. Plantings are estimated to have increased only slightly compared to the 2014 level, as farmers in the southeast part of the country switched from cotton to milling wheat. Planting of the summer cereal crops, to be harvested from August, is underway.
Responding to the increased demand from the feed sector and the broader availability of irrigation, maize production in Turkey is increasing. Some areas, particularly in the South East region, are planting maize as a second crop.
In preparation for a bumper harvest, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) is reported to be currently selling stocks to free storing capacity. The TMO announced that in the 2015/16 season, it will continue offering a premium of TRY 50 per tonne of wheat (USD 26/tonne) for higher protein content and lowest pest damage, and TRY 40 per tonne of maize. However, farmers prefer to sell maize to the private sector.
The Government support to agriculture in 2015 is budgeted at TRY 10.1 billion (USD 4.1 billion), some 10 percent higher than in 2014. Support included area-based input subsidies (such as for certified seeds, fertilizer and diesel), premiums for improved quality, as well as rural development type measures.