Dried figs: new season and floods

Mundus-Agri: Subdued demand is weighing on the prices for the new crop in Turkey. Producers are far from happy with this. Floods have hit production in Iran.

Farmgate prices too low

Forecasted rain may impact drying in Aydin, Turkey's production hub for dried figs, in the next few days. Harvesting is in full swing, and fresh figs have already arrived in the market. As traders and exporters are, however, showing little interest in buying farmgate. Assessments have been completed, and officials will soon issue the production estimates for dried figs. Unofficial estimates range at 90,000 mt. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has supplied producers with devices such as insect traps and nets to help to protect the fruits and prevent mold.

Exporters to set a date for a new season

The Aegean Exporters' Association will set the official date for the start of the export season in the next few days. Typically, the season starts in September or October. Weekly exports recently ranged a bit lower at 637 mt, whereas 741 mt of dried fig and related products were shipped overseas in the same week last year. Turkey has exported 64,064 mt this season so far, which is down on the 65,983 mt recorded in 2020/2021. Suppliers expect exports to reach nearly 70,000 mt this season.

Floods cause disaster in Iran

Floods claimed several lives in Estahban county in Iran's Fars Province at the end of July. These floods, coupled with heavy rain have also hit the county's fig production hard and have dealt a heavy blow to many peoples' lives and the ecomomy. Around 98% of the people living in the area make a living of growing, buying and selling figs. Traders report that irreparable damages amounting to more than USD 500,000 have been inflicted on the world's largest rainfed fig orchards, which are located here. Production damages range between 30% and 60%. The Agricultural Organisation of Neyriz also reckons that production will range 70% lower at 1,500 mt. Prices have risen due to exchange rate fluctuations.