14.09.2025 13:20
Sesame producers in the Kadirli district of Osmaniye, who have started the harvest, stated that there has been a decrease in prices this year compared to last year, and that they are incurring losses. Farmer Zeki Saltıkalp said, "The costs are very high, so it needs to be at least over 200 liras this year. If they offer less than 200 liras for the sesame, I will take it and dump it in the dam for the fish to eat."
Sesame producers in the Bekereci village of Kadirli district in Osmaniye expressed their reaction to the drop in sesame prices this year compared to last year. They stated that the sesame they sold for 105 lira last year is now finding buyers for 90 lira, despite the increase in input costs.
"COSTS HAVE INCREASED"
Farmer Ahmet Erken said: "Last year we sold this sesame for 105 lira per kilogram, and now they are trying to buy it from us for 90 lira. Last year, the daily wage for workers was 800 lira, and this year it has risen to 1,300 lira. Last year, diesel was 40 lira, and now we are using it at 55 lira. We are applying pesticides, costs... This year has been dry, we irrigated, and therefore the inputs have been a bit high; normally, we wouldn't irrigate. I am researching sesame online, and sesame is constantly coming from abroad. Currently, the price of sesame in Turkey is 90 lira per kilogram for those buying from our Kadirli tradesmen. The price for sesame coming from abroad is said to be 1,600 dollars per ton, I have spoken to several people. The sesame from abroad is bitter, and since our sesame is local, we cannot sell it for a good price; we are currently at a loss. We are already renting out the fields.
"WE ARE AT THE END OF OUR ROPE"
Currently, there is a drop in sesame prices, and we are at a loss. We will have to leave this profession because it is not sustainable. We are only working for labor, and that is the whole problem. Currently, prices should normally be around 160-170 lira. The farmer is always losing, always at a loss. We are at the end of our rope right now. If we manage to do it this year, I am considering quitting."
"IT SHOULD BE ABOVE 150 LIRA"
Farmer Alpaslan Demirden said, "Due to high labor costs, we expect prices to be at a level that will save us, but unfortunately, prices are a bit low right now. Looking at last year, if the costs have increased, it should be above 150 lira. If the price we want is not offered, what will the farmer do? Gradually, he will have to withdraw from these jobs. Only a situation will arise where he collects the expenses he has incurred in parts, but there will be no profit," he said.
"IF THEY DON'T GIVE ME THE MONEY I EXPECT, I WILL DUMP IT IN THE DAM FOR THE FISH TO EAT"
Farmer Zeki Saltıkalp stated, "Last year, sesame was sold for 100 lira per kilogram, and this year it should be above 200 lira. Costs have increased tenfold. You sell the seed for 100 lira, buy it for 200 lira, and then plant it again. The costs are very high, and the daily wage for workers is high, so at least this year it should be above 200 lira. If they offer less than 200 lira, I will take one and a half tons of sesame, God willing, and dump it in the dam for the fish to eat. I doubt the sanity of anyone offering a price below that. If they offer a price below last year's costs and this year's costs, the situation will be very bad. If the farmer cannot sell at the expected price, we cannot plant this next year either; it will not happen, absolutely not. Last year, everyone had sesame, but this year it is left to a few people. Next year, they will not even be able to find seeds," he said.