Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı Meets with Sector Representatives in Tokat
Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı gathered with representatives from the agriculture and forestry sectors in Tokat. In his speech, Minister Yumaklı highlighted that agriculture is recognized as a strategic sector worldwide, stating: “With the influence of the Grain Corridor, along with climatic factors, health crises, migration movements, and population growth, many elements are becoming new normal situations that countries are beginning to recognize as significantly impacting agriculture.”
He emphasized the importance of protecting water and other resources, saying, “We are researching all regions of Turkey according to agricultural needs and continuing to support producers who are achieving great success. It is now time to showcase different approaches.”
Starting from the beginning of the year, Yumaklı announced the implementation of agricultural production planning practices for both animal production and aquaculture. “This issue has been debated for years; now we are making it a reality. Especially in this sector, which has high diversity in our country, restructuring is a significant step,” he added.
Studies on Uncultivated Agricultural Land
According to the Minister, the aim is to reintroduce uncultivated agricultural lands into production. Yumaklı stated, “We want these uncultivated lands to participate in production without touching property rights.” He emphasized that they will monitor uncultivated lands using modern technologies, noting, “At the end of the first year, we will send messages to the owners of uncultivated lands. If they have still not been cultivated by the end of the second year, we will propose leasing them to the state.”
Recalling that Turkey ranks among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of agricultural income and output, Yumaklı expressed concern over water scarcity, saying, “If we do not take the necessary precautions, we risk becoming a water-scarce country by 2030.”
The Minister clarified that supports are merely a tool for agricultural production planning, stating, “In the coming years, we will provide information three years in advance about which products will be grown in which regions.”
Long-Term Supports
Yumaklı reminded that support for fuel and fertilizer used to be provided in kind, saying, “This practice was exploited, so we decided to provide cash support. Agricultural production supports will be announced before the production period begins.”
He shared that roadmaps for livestock have been announced and new supports for young people and women will be introduced. Additionally, he revealed that milk production planning regions have been established in 10 provinces, including Tokat.
Need for a Strong Agriculture for a Strong Turkey
Emphasizing the directives of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Yumaklı stated that all possibilities would be utilized and agricultural policies would be implemented. “Strong agriculture is essential for a strong Turkey,” he said.
Information on Food Inspections
The Minister visited a flower greenhouse, benefiting from the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution. He reported that approximately 900,000 food inspections were conducted in eight months, resulting in fines for many businesses. Yumaklı explained, “Access to safe food is a right for everyone. Our citizens can call the Alo 174 hotline if they identify any issues related to safe food.”
Expressing that the floriculture sector in Erbaa has great potential, Yumaklı mentioned, “Significant investments are being made in this sector, and Turkey’s ornamental plant production has reached 58,000 decares. Our goal is to enhance these investments and make Tokat a center for cut flower production.”
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.