MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE TAKES MEASURES TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF BEANS AND LENTILS...

A special analysis has been prepared for Covid-19 and its effects on the pulses sector by the "Product tables" established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in order to follow strategic and frequently changing agricultural products.

According to the analysis, Covid-19 has a negative impact on all sectors affecting human life, while the duration of the pandemic remains unknown. In this obscurity, countries are struggling with many dilemmas regarding the continuity of agricultural activities. Considering the sowing and harvesting seasons due to quarantine conditions, there are problems such as input and labor supply, access to the market and the transportation of the products to the foreign market.

Demand to pulses increased prices...

Although there is a supply suitable for consumer demand, the consumer turned to products such as legumes and flour, which can be stored for a long time at home, due to quarantine conditions. The recommendations of nutritionists such as keeping the immune system strong and providing the protein need from herbal products also increased the demand for pusses. Meanwhile increasingly common vegan diet also caused a surge in the consumption of these products.

While the sudden increase in demand for these products increased the prices in the international markets, in this case, the countries resorted to measures such as stopping exports and resetting import taxes in order to ensure competence and price stability in the domestic market. It is anticipated that price rises will continue due to the pandemic demand increase in the world and the problems it causes in supply. However, considering the increasing international demand, it is necessary to ensure continuity in production and take measures for export in terms of supply demand balance in domestic markets.

Seed supports from the Ministry...

While the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry took measures for agricultural product supply security, it started to work urgently to boost the production of lentils and dry beans, especially in international markets. With the project for the production of dry beans, it was aimed to increase agricultural yield by giving 75 percent of the seed grants in order to provide idle lands to agricultural production and provide additional production area in 15 provinces. In order to heighten lentil production, 75 percent of the seed was distributed as a grant in 5 provinces.

While the stock, import and export position of dry beans are closely monitored until the harvest, new measures are planned to be taken immediately when necessary. While lentils are being planted in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, there is no problem in development as of April.