THERE IS NO RED MEAT SHORTAGE ACROSS TURKEY; NO NEED TO PANIC...

Red Meat Producers' Association of Turkey (TÜKETBİR) Chairman Bülent Tunç said that there is no shortage of red meat production in the country.

Stating that total red meat production in 2019 was estimated as 1 million 201 thousand 469 tons with an increase of 7.4 percent compared to the previous year, Tunç cited that production was recorded as 1 million 118 thousand 695 tons in 2018.

Pointing out that a panic atmosphere is tried to be created in the red meat market due to Covid-19, Tunç explained, "We have enough animals to meet our consumption for red meat and its products. Nobody should worry. We will not give premiums to those who rumour that 'animal will be imported' in order to gain rent. May everybody be in comfort."

"Necessary measures were taken in animal husbandry"

National Red Meat Council (UKON) Chairman Ahmet Hacıince also said that due to Covid-19 epidemic, which has become a global problem, necessary measures have been taken in animal husbandry as in all sectors. 

"There is no problem in the production of red meat. As of now, in our farmers' businesses operating in the fattening sector, we have enough production to meet the needs of our consumers for 2020 and accordingly, enough production to meet the consumption of red meat," Hacıince noted.

"The number of ovine animals is sufficient"

Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association of Turkey (TÜDKİYEB) Chairman Nihat Çelik calls attention to the issue that as of March there exist around 50 millions of sheep and 15 millions of lambs in the sector due to the probagation time and concluded, "Ovine population across Turkey has the capacity to meet the consumption of red meat. So there is no need for any anxiety or stocking in the market because of the epidemic. Nobody should panic."