Turkey Hopes to Expand Cotton Area

WASHINGTON - Feb 24/06 - SNS -- Turkey expects to see an increase in cotton area this year due to farmer dissatisfaction with returns from alternative crops such as corn, argues the U.S. agricultural attache in a recent update on the sector.

Turkish farmers are also in search of ways to make cotton planting more feasible and to be able to compete with the imported cotton. Reportedly, the total number of cotton harvesters will double and reach 260 in 2006 compared to last marketing year, which will lessen the dependence on hand picking and decrease costs. It is also reported that co-ops (Antbirlik, Taris) are proceeding with their plans to produce bio-diesel to cut fuel costs as well.

Recently, the Turkish government announced a YTL 0.32 per kilo production bonus for 2005 seed cotton. The new bonus represents a 40% increase over last year's bonus showing Turkish government's desire to support domestic cotton production.

Even though the bonus was announced late and it is not know when actual payments will be done, it still is considered a tool to attract farmers to plant cotton. The Turkish government also announced that the production bonus payment for seed cotton would continue in 2006.

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