Germans to buy 320 tons of cornichons from Kikinda crop growers

German company Mamminger intends to buy out around 320 tons of cornichons from crop growers in Kikinda. Since the buyout is certain, the production of this type of pickles has increased and covers around eight hectares this year, unlike last year, when it covered around five hectares.

Local crop growers produce cornichons for the renowned foreign buyer, and the cooperation started four years ago. It gets more successful each year, as the crop growers have seen that the buyer is adhering to the agreement.

– Seven or eight new producers have appeared, so cornichons are now grown on around eight hectares. Yields amount to around 40 tons per hectare. This is a great opportunity for our crop growers to enhance their production and to have their work efforts pay off – pointed out Dejan Ugresic, who sells pickles to the German company.

Ugresic has based his production on a parcel in the Districka Street, which the local self-government has given for use to the Banatska Lenija association of agricultural producers. Cornichons take up around a hectare, and are cultivated in rows. A small number of rainy and humid days and the absence of diseases this year have benefited the growing and allowed for a reduction in the usage of chemical products.

The German purchaser has some special requests.

– They need smaller cornichons and therefore they lean on small producers. This way, they can count on a better-quality product – the Novosti interviewee claims and points out that he is very satisfied with his cooperation with Mamminger.

The cucumbers have been transported to the collection spot in Senta for two years now, which is more cost-effective and easier compared tot he first two ears, when they were being transported to Gospodjinci, which required greater fuel expenses. The price of the first class of cucumbers is now 80 eurocents, whereas the second one costs 70, the third one 51 and the fourth one 34 eurocents.

Aside from cucumbers, crop growers in Kikinda also cultivate peppers , whereas tomato is grown in 14 plastic green houses of Banatska Lenija.

Seasonal workers are needed during the harvest, as great yields are expected.

– The removal of sprouts and netting, so that the fruits can grow more easily, are in progress. The harvest is expected to begin in four to five days. We will need 15 to 20 workers. The hourly wage is now RSD 150, but it will grow – Ugresic adds.