The ban on wheat imports in Turkey is likely to be extended

31-Jul-2024 01:26 PM

Ankara . There has been a lot of discussion in the international food grain market since last week that the deadline for the ban on wheat imports in Turkey may be extended beyond October 15, 2024.

Some critics say that there is very little possibility of wheat imports being allowed in Turkey till the end of the current year.

Some other analysts feel that the ban on imports may remain in force in the first few months of next year as well. It is worth noting that wheat production in Turkey is likely to be slightly less than the previous estimate.

On June 6, the Turkish Agriculture Ministry had announced that the ban on wheat imports would be in place from June 21 to October 15, 2024 to ensure the protection of the interests of indigenous producers.

If the massive import of cheap wheat from abroad continues, the prices in the domestic market will weaken and farmers will have to struggle hard to get attractive and profitable prices for their produce.

The ministry had said in its notification that if required, the time limit for the ban on wheat imports can be extended. In fact, there are two reasons for heavy import of wheat in Turkey. The first reason is to meet domestic food needs.

Wheat production in Turkey is less than domestic demand and consumption, so it needs to import this food grain from some other countries including Russia and Ukraine.

The second reason is to increase the export of wheat products. Russian flour millers export wheat products and especially flour on a large scale to the neighboring Asian and African countries and for this they get cheap wheat from Russia.

But this time the Agriculture Ministry wants the millers and traders to purchase and process wheat at a good price in advance so that the producers can get better prices.