THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), stated that comprehensive steps must be taken to ensure sustainability in agriculture and encourage young people to return to rural areas. Palandöken warned that if agriculture is not made attractive, low production and price increases will continue, and emphasised that the state should adopt positive discrimination in its agricultural policies.
“REMOVE THE AGE LIMIT, REJUVENATE AGRICULTURE“
Palandöken, who stated that the age limit applied in village return projects should be removed, said, “The obstacles to returning to rural areas should be removed. The young population should return to the village, but the current system does not allow this. Producers are ageing, and there are almost no people aged 20-40 in rural areas. The way to sustainability in agriculture is to regain the young population in villages.”
“IF THERE IS NO PROFIT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN THE VILLAGE”
Pointing out that producers cannot make money despite the high prices of agricultural products, he noted, “Vegetables, fruits, and milk are not profitable. When producers cannot make a living, they migrate to the city. Those engaged in livestock farming are struggling to find people, which is reducing production.”
“INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT MUST BE INCREASED”
Palandöken, who emphasised the need to strengthen irrigation channels, roads and transportation infrastructure to ramp up agricultural production, said, “Agricultural areas should be given positive discrimination. Agricultural pesticides should be supported, and tax burdens on tractors and agricultural equipment should be reduced. Production technologies should be brought to the villages.”
“SOCIAL SUPPORT AND EDUCATION ARE ESSENTIAL”
“Social opportunities should be enhanced in agricultural regions and that quality education opportunities should be provided for children, saying, “Agriculture is not only an economic issue but also a social one. If there are no schools, health facilities, and social facilities in villages, young people will not return.”
“REGIONAL PLANNING AND AGRICULTURAL MAPS PROPOSAL”
Palandöken proposed planning production in areas close to city centres to reduce waste caused by transportation, stating, “Protective measures should be taken against natural disasters. Regional agricultural maps should be prepared across the country. This will clarify what should be produced in which region, making production more efficient.”
“LIVING IN RURAL AREAS IS NOW AN ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE”
Underlining that the rent for a few months in major cities is now equivalent to a year’s income in rural areas, he added, “People now want to stay in their villages, but there is no support. However, if farmers are supported and their tax burden is lifted, production will boost, inflation will decrease and everyone will benefit.”
“LIFE IN THE VILLAGE MUST BECOME SUSTAINABLE”
“Agriculture is not only an economic but also a cultural and strategic field. We have young people and engineers capable of farming in every region of our country. If we create opportunities for them, production will revive,” he concluded…
