The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) announced today that the Agricultural Input Price Index (Agricultural-IPI) soared by 30.49% year-on-year in January, reflecting a sharp rise in the cost of goods and services essential to Türkiye’s farming sector.

The index also recorded a monthly increase of 5.89% compared to December 2024, underscoring the persistent inflationary pressures facing agricultural producers.

According to TurkStat’s latest statement, the Agricultural-IPI rose by 5.89% from the previous month and by an identical 5.89% compared to December of the prior year. On a broader scale, the index jumped by 39.58% when measured against the twelve-month moving average, signaling a sustained upward trend in input costs. The data paints a challenging picture for Turkish farmers as they grapple with escalating expenses amid an already strained economic climate.

Breaking down the figures by category, goods and services currently consumed in agriculture—such as fertilizers, animal feed, and energy—saw a monthly increase of 5.95% and a yearly surge of 29.02%. Meanwhile, goods and services contributing to agricultural investment, including machinery and infrastructure, rose by 5.56% month-on-month and a striking 39.58% compared to January 2024. These increases highlight the broad-based nature of the cost pressures affecting both day-to-day operations and long-term agricultural development.

Among the subgroups, seeds and planting stock emerged as the most significant driver of annual price hikes, skyrocketing by 50.09% compared to the same month last year. Veterinary expenses topped the list for monthly increases, climbing by 32.87%, a figure that reflects the mounting costs of livestock care amid rising demand and supply chain challenges.

The TurkStat report, released on Thursday, comes as Türkiye’s agricultural sector faces mounting difficulties, with input price inflation outpacing many other economic indicators. Analysts suggest that these rising costs could further strain food production and contribute to higher consumer prices down the line, exacerbating the nation’s ongoing battle with inflation. As farmers contend with these economic headwinds, the January 2025 data serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for Türkiye’s vital agricultural industry. (ILKHA)