TÜİK: Red meat production increased by 8.8 percent
Red meat production increased by 8.8 percent compared to last year, reaching 2 million 384 thousand 47 tons. However, according to TÜİK, while meat production is rising, meat prices are also burning a hole in the pockets of low-income citizens.
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The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has announced the latest data showing that meat production in Turkey has increased.
Accordingly, red meat production, which was 2 million 191 thousand 625 tons in 2022, reached 2 million 384 thousand 47 tons in 2023, an increase of 8.8 percent.
Based on the announced data, compared to 2022, beef production rose by 6.2 percent to 1 million 670 thousand 606 tons, mutton production increased by 16.3 percent to 569 thousand 66 tons, goat meat production rose by 11.3 percent to 128 thousand 989 tons, and buffalo meat production increased by 13.3 percent to 15 thousand 386 tons last year.
When examining red meat production estimates for the last 10 years, it was observed that total red meat production reached 2 million 384 thousand 47 tons in 2023, up from 1 million 123 thousand 59 tons in 2014.
In 2023, beef accounted for 70.1 percent of red meat production, mutton for 23.9 percent, goat meat for 5.4 percent, and buffalo meat for 0.6 percent.
HOW IS MEAT PRODUCTION CALCULATED
The red meat production estimate is determined based on demographic data obtained from the Animal Production Survey in Agricultural Enterprises. The meat production estimate is obtained by multiplying the "number of animals slaughtered from the domestic population" and the "number of animals slaughtered from imports", calculated using the "slaughter power rate", by their average carcass weights.
CITIZENS CANNOT CONSUME MEAT
While meat production is increasing according to TÜİK data, successive price hikes are depriving citizens of meat consumption.
Most recently, the Meat and Milk Board (ESK) raised meat prices by 25 percent. Although low-income citizens line up for cheap meat in front of the institution before dawn, the lack of policies supporting production indicates that meat prices will continue to rise in the coming period.
MEAT PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO BURN POCKETS FOR ANOTHER 2-3 YEARS
In a statement made recently by the Association of All Milk, Meat and Breeding Cattle Breeders (TÜSEDAD), the rise in meat prices was described as a 'crisis', and it was stated that the increase would continue for another 2-3 years. The statement included the following remarks: "Under the best conditions, supply and demand will balance within 2-3 years, and we will eat meat at a more affordable price according to purchasing power. Until then, meat will continue to burn pockets."