Cauliflower and Broccoli Production in Bafra Plain
The Bafra Plain stands out as one of the most productive agricultural areas in Turkey. This year, cauliflower was planted in 17 thousand acres and broccoli in 6 thousand acres. However, due to excessive rainfall, some winter vegetable fields were flooded and this caused a serious decrease in yield. Under these conditions, the high prices that make producers happy allow them to receive the reward of their labor in their fields.
High Prices and Low Yields
Producer Mehmet Bilgiç stated that the prices of cauliflower and broccoli are very good this year, while the decrease in yield has increased the prices. Currently, cauliflower is sold for between 40 and 50 lira per kilo, while broccoli is sold for a high price of 100 lira per kilo. These high prices increase even more, especially during periods when the yield is low and demand is high. Bilgiç says, “Since the product is scarce, it is a bit expensive. I think it will become more expensive in the future,” signaling that prices may increase even more in the future.
Effects of Heavy Rainfall
Excessive rainfall has negatively affected agricultural areas in the Bafra Plain. Even in places where water has not been applied, the yield is not at the old levels. Producers state that the expected 3-4 kilo products for cauliflower can only be obtained as 1 kilo or 500 grams. This situation makes it difficult for both producers and consumers to meet their market needs.
Challenges Faced by Manufacturers
While producers are trying to cope with the difficulties caused by the rains this year, they also state that the quality of the product has decreased. During periods of heavy rainfall, agricultural areas become like the sea. Therefore, the quality of the products decreases and the yield decreases. Mehmet Bilgiç clearly expresses this situation by saying, “There is no quality in the products due to excessive rainfall.” While producers are struggling with these difficulties, they also add that they are happy with the high prices.
Demand and Market Situation
Currently, the demand for cauliflower and broccoli is quite high. However, due to the scarcity of products, there are imbalances in the market situation. Producers state that it is difficult to find products during this period of high demand. This situation causes prices to increase even more. Producers complain that they cannot provide enough products at the time of demand.
Future Expectations
Producers agree that prices could rise even further if current conditions continue. Therefore, they emphasize that they need to be careful when putting their products on the market. Farmers continue their preparations in the hope of a better harvest for next year. In addition to the difficulties experienced in the production process, high prices stand out as a factor that makes producers happy.
As a result
Although cauliflower and broccoli production in the Bafra Plain has been negatively affected by excessive rainfall this year, high prices have been a source of morale for producers. Although extreme weather conditions have reduced yields and affected product quality, high demand gives hope to producers. In the coming period, developments in agricultural areas and weather conditions will continue to play a decisive role in the cauliflower and broccoli market.
