Russia’s sanctions against Turkish fruit and vegetables imports, which were introduced from January 1 this year, did not cover lemons and this, combined with the low yield, has meant high prices, which are pleasing growers.
Prices in Turkey’s citrus producing centre Cukurova, vary depending on the variety and quality: from the orchards the price ranges between 1-1.5 tl and at the Adana wholesale hall the prices are between 1.40-2.30 tl.
Frost affected yield
Last year lemons were sold for 1tl from the orchards, the 50% increase seen this year is good news for growers. According to orchard owner Emrullah Canik, “Most orchards were affected by frost and the lemon yield in Cukurova is not at the same level as last year. The low yield has caused an increase in prices. If the prices hadn’t increased the growers would be devastated, as they have 30% less product than last year.”
The prices of lemon at the markets and the greengrocers have reached 4tl, Canik states “The introduction of the Russian sanctions were instrumental in increasing the prices. This year we are comfortable that our products are selling for good prices.”
(1 Turkish lira= 0.30 euros)
Source: dogruhaber.com