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Lentils: sharp decline expected in Turkey

June 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM , Der AUDITOR
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ANKARA. Official estimates show that Turkey’s red lentil crop will range 16% lower than last year. Traders are, however, much more upbeat. For green lentils the export ban will prove decisive.

Contradicting expectations for red lentils

Turkey’s red lentil production will decline sharply this year. Production will slump by 16% from 405,000 mt in 2024 to 340,000 mt in 2025 as the first crop estimate for 2025 issued by the Turkish Statistical Institute as based on data compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture shows.

Weather extremities are proving a challenge to the red lentil crop in Manisa, where rainfall has also been low in the past four weeks. Unfavourable weather conditions are putting growth at risk in Antalya with the area witnessing a dry stretch. The lack of rain is also giving rise to concerns in Afyon.

Yet, traders in Southeastern Anatolia, which accounts for more than 90% of Turkey’s lentil production, are dismissive of such reports. Here acreage is similar in size to last year and weather conditions are reportedly favourable. Harvesting is currently underway. Issue, however, is that there are no carry-over stocks from the 2024 crop meaning that prices will be high at the start of the season. They will then fluctuate in accordance with export demand.

Export ban decisive for green lentils

Projections for green lentils stand 3% lower than last year at 69,000 mt. As the government imposed an export ban for green lentils last year, which prompted a downturn in sales, acreage has declined. Harvesting will start in July and be completed in August. Stakeholders are closely listening out for government announcements regarding the export ban. Prices will certainly soar in the second half of the season, if the ban is lifted as this will stimulate export demand and market activities.

 

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