Consumer Rights Association (THD) evaluated the statistics of Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) for April 2022. In the statement made by THD, it was stated that the annual average inflation of 12 types of vegetables is 178 percent. In the statement, it was stated that more than half of the consumers are minimum wage earners and those with an income slightly above the minimum wage, adding, “This segment could not access enough vegetables and fruits. Considering that a significant portion of low-income and low-income households are rented, it is a fact that the majority of children, young people and adults do not have adequate and balanced nutrition. When we take into account the prices of vegetables and fruits, as well as the prices of meat, milk and dairy products, the majority of low-income consumers with incomes below the poverty line are condemned to starvation. The production of imported inputs, which is one of the most important reasons for the cost of vegetables, in Turkey will reduce the cost of vegetable production,” the statement said.
MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN TO RELIEVE HUNGER
In the statement, pointing out “Adequate and balanced diet is the universal right of consumers”, the statement added: “For the month of April 2022, 5,323 Turkish Liras (TL) is required for a four-person household to have a sufficient and balanced diet. This price is the hunger limit for a 4-person household. The poverty line for a 4-person household is 17,340 TL. When we consider the hunger and poverty limits in question; It is our wish and expectation that the conditions in which all employees, unemployed and households can live humanely and have adequate and balanced nutrition will be created by the country administration. We call for urgent measures to eliminate hunger by the country's government.”
INFLATION OF 12 KINDS VEGETABLES
According to the figures calculated by TURKSTAT, the annual inflation rates of 12 types of vegetables are as follows:
“Banana pepper is 155,6 percent; bell pepper 153,4 percent; green pepper 143,6 percent; tomato 157,2 percent; carrots 83,9 percent; pumpkin 114,1 percent; onion 173,3 percent; curly 221,6 percent; parsley 169,1 percent; eggplant 267,1 percent; cucumber 149,5 percent; potatoes 343,1 percent.”