Cauliflower proved to be a profitable investment this year for producers who, despite the challenges, managed to grow it. At the markets in Novi Sad, a kilogram of cauliflower currently costs between 300 and 350 dinars, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years, when it was significantly cheaper. During the past two years, due to low prices, many vegetable growers stopped growing cauliflower, so this year’s limited supply resulted in a higher price. At the height of the season, which was delayed this year due to weather conditions, it is expected that vegetable growers will be able to cover last year’s losses and make a profit.
Vegetable grower Đorđe Babić from Kovilji describes the challenges in growing cauliflower this season. High summer temperatures, which exceeded 35 degrees, slowed down the development of plants. We would like to remind you that cabbage plants such as cauliflower have a hard time growing in extreme heat. Because of this, watering was crucial for the preservation of crops, but also an additional expense. Babić planted the cauliflower in mid-July, when the temperatures started to drop. At the same time, he uses a “drop by drop” system for irrigation, which he had to combine with sprinkling in order to provide enough moisture.
Is it worth investing in cauliflower?
The effort and cost of investing in cauliflower this year was high, as it required constant watering and disease protection, which increased the price in the markets. Producers like Babić spent significant sums on fuel for pumps, manure, seeds, seedlings and chemical means for plant protection. In addition, seasonal workers were hired for harvesting and additional security. Babić, for example, pays a guard 2,500 dinars a day, which includes meals, drinks and cigarettes, to protect crops from theft.
A comparative analysis of cauliflower prices shows interesting data. Namely, last year at the beginning of November, a kilogram of cauliflower cost from 140 to 200 dinars on markets in Serbian cities. At the same time, the price was even lower, from 80 to 200 dinars, at the Quanta markets in western Serbia. The price this year depends not only on supply and demand, but also on the weather conditions, which were extremely harsh for production. Drought, high temperatures, as well as generally unfavorable weather conditions significantly made cultivation difficult, but also contributed to the increase in the price of cauliflower on the market. These price fluctuations additionally affect regional differences, with Vojvodina recording somewhat higher prices compared to western Serbia.
With such a high price on the market, producers who managed to overcome the challenges of this season have the opportunity to make a good profit. However, due to high production costs, cauliflower is a more luxurious food on the market this year. Food, it should be noted, available at a price that reflects the great efforts and investments of vegetable growers during unfavorable weather conditions.
Source: Diary
Source: boljazemlja.com
