TÜRKŞEKER's announcement of the 2026 sugar beet purchase price as 3 thousand 720 liras per ton, including the quota completion premium, was found insufficient by beet producers in Yozgat. Producers stated that at the current level of diesel, fertilizer, electricity, seed, and labor costs, the announced price does not leave any profit.
Farmers harvesting beets in the rain in Yozgat's İnceçayır village said that it has become difficult to continue production under current conditions. Producers in the region are calling for the price to be re-evaluated, while some farmers have expressed that they have decided not to plant beets next year.
Farmer Resul Karakavak, drawing attention to rising fuel expenses, said, "We are being crushed under costs. My opinion and decision for next year is that I will not plant. There are many who think like me. Today, this tractor's tank fills up for 10 thousand liras. And this tractor burns through that diesel in one day. It is not a satisfying price at all. It does not cover my costs."
PRODUCERS: IT IS NOT THE PRICE WE EXPECTED
Farmer Ali Osman Erciyes also said that the announced price remained below their expectations. Stating that they were expecting a price in the range of 4 thousand 200 to 4 thousand 300 liras per ton, Erciyes said, "3 thousand 720 liras is already below the cost; our costs have increased a lot. Fertilizer, diesel, seeds. There was a disaster this year. There were places where we planted twice. Our input costs have increased a lot this year."
Muharrem Erciyes explained that they had to replant due to the disaster, which further increased costs. Erciyes said, "Diesel has skyrocketed, and so has fertilizer. Since the cost of everything has increased, we will not be able to make a profit this year either."
Yozgat Chamber of Agriculture President İsmail Açıkgöz also stated that there is a decline in beet planting areas in the region. Açıkgöz said that planting areas have decreased by 25 percent this year compared to last year, and that high input costs and low purchase prices are effective in this.
Açıkgöz stated that under the worst conditions, the producer was expecting a price at the level of 4 thousand 200 liras, and assessed, "This price only saves the farmer. The farmer is not in a position to make money. With the current price given, the farmer thinks they will just barely break even."
Arguing that the balance between yield and price in beet production has been disrupted, Açıkgöz stated that if the current picture continues, there could be further declines in planting areas. Producers want the announced purchase price to be reviewed, taking into account the rising costs.
News Source : 12punto
