Nizip Commodity Exchange (NTB) is preparing to transport its members operating in the Pistachio sector to world markets with the International Competition Development (UR-GE) project supported by the Ministry of Economy.
In this context, the 'Pistachio UR-GE Project Needs Analysis Information Meeting', which will allow pistachio producers operating in Nizip to increase their export capacity and move towards new target markets, was held in our pistachio market liaison office with the participation of sector representatives who are members of our Stock Exchange.
NTB Secretary General Mehmet Eray ÖLÇAL, who made the opening speech of the meeting, drew attention to the importance of the UR-GE project for the Pistachio sector, which was held for the first time in Nizip, and added that the aim of the UR-GE projects supported by the Ministry of Economy is to support the project-based expenses of education consultancy and cooperation organizations to increase the competitiveness of businesses in international markets.
Stating that the UR-GE studies carried out for pistachio operators under the umbrella of Nizip Trade Bosasi started with the 'Needs Analysis' meeting, 4K Consultancy Project Specialist Funda SARAN gave information to the participants about the purpose of the project and the benefits of clustering. He also conveyed the current situation analysis to the participants present at the meeting, in the light of the data obtained after the needs analysis.
Nizip Commodity Exchange Assembly Chairman Mahmut ŞAHİN, Assembly Board members Ahmet POLAT, Kemal ÇETİNKAYA and Reşat OKTAY also attended the meeting. Deputy Secretary General Abuzer KÜPELİ on behalf of our Stock Exchange and Project Experts Nazmi OKTAY and Sehriban Bal KÖSE on behalf of 4K Consultancy also attended the meeting.
After the UR-GE information meeting, the " Pistachio Problems and Solution Suggestions Workshop " started. General Secretary Mehmet Eray ÖLÇAL made the opening speech of the workshop, which was organized under the leadership of our stock exchange and brought together our members operating in the Pistachio sector in Nizip, and said, "Today, we are also here to talk about the problems of pistachios and discuss solution suggestions. As pistachio producers from Nizip, you are the solution address for these problems." He gave brief information to the participants about the work carried out by our Stock Exchange. Agricultural Engineer Mehmet ŞAHİN was also present at the workshop on behalf of Nizip District Directorate of Agriculture and took notes on the problems raised.
Some problems in the Pistachio sector, which came to the agenda during the workshop where participants exchanged opinions, were listed as follows;
· Pistachio standard is not up to date and does not meet the needs
· Absence or inadequacy of cooperation
· Lack of training and knowledge of the producer
· Pistachios are not included in the scope of support
· Difficulties experienced during harvest
· Lack of mature male trees in the gardens and growing male saplings is very difficult.
· Insufficient drip irrigation in production (irrigation and timely harvest increases the ratio and quality of hazelnuts)
· Pistachio standards are not up-to-date and sufficient (including good storage standards)
· Licensed warehousing is not available in pistachios (there is in hazelnuts)
· Existence of stockists outside the sector for investment purposes only
· Keeping peanuts in inappropriate conditions between production and final storage
Uncontrolled and unconscious use of pesticides and fertilizers
· Lack of an accredited business (a standard/processing model can be created by taking a successful agricultural sales cooperatives association as an example business, and practical training can be given to other operators and employees here.)
· Aflatoxin problem, poor quality peanuts containing aflatoxin being supplied to the domestic market and inadequate inspections.
Contact with water during processing increases hygiene risks
· Carrying out cracking at home increases hygiene risks (solution: planning the natural cracks to be sold with shells, and the unchopped ones to be sold as peanuts).
· Lack of vocational training, accreditation and certification in peanut processing (e.g. peanut roasting specialist certificate)
· Traders mix different peanuts coming from various regions in order to complete the order, and there is the threat of smuggled peanuts from time to time.
· Lack of quality certificates (preferred by large buyers and a reliable supplier position can be achieved with production, processing and packaging in accordance with national and international product and system standards)
· Lack of pistachio marketing strategy document
· Marketing strategy should focus on "aroma" and "flavor"
· Lack of price stability (price strategy document should be created)
· Inability to plan and provide ongoing products to buyers due to the on-off year in production.
·High prices in the domestic market
· Problems in supplying quality products to marketers (peanut standards and licensed warehousing issues should be improved)
· Pistachios are still (sometimes) known as Sam pistachios.
· Some illegalities in production and sales negatively affect the exporter.
· It was listed as not having Pistachio Organized Industrial Zone.
One of the items discussed at the meeting, pistachios being included in the scope of support, received support from all participants. Participants agreed that support should be given to the product, not the soil. It was agreed that the support to be given to the product would prevent unregistered activities and contribute to the economy.
