Farmers Receive 8,432,925 Liters of Fuel Support

Supporting farmers at every stage of agriculture, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has pioneered a unique initiative in local governance by establishing the Agricultural Services Department. Over the last decade, it has provided various support programs to stand by farmers. The municipality is actively implementing significant projects to ensure sustainability in agriculture by utilizing modern techniques.

The municipality offers exemplary projects to local governments through diesel support, mobile analysis laboratories, and irrigation projects, shaping its initiatives based on the region’s climate and soil conditions.

Preserving Antep Pistachio with Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality

Recognizing the crucial role of Antep pistachio in Gaziantep’s economy, the municipality has begun purchasing roasted pistachio nuts through its companies to ensure that the crop reaches its true value. This initiative will protect the value of pistachios and help prevent financial losses for producers.

To enhance yield and quality in Antep pistachio farming, the municipality has provided fertilizer support to farmers and distributed 10,000 plant nutrition packages to 10,000 Antep pistachio producers, aiming to minimize damage caused by phyto-plasma.

Diesel Support Brings Smiles to Farmers

One of the largest expense items for farmers is fuel. To address this, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has implemented one of its most appreciated projects: diesel support. Launched in 2022, this initiative distributed farmer cards to 43,015 farmers, providing a total of 8 million 432 thousand 925 liters of diesel support. Under a protocol with Türkiye Petrolleri, all farmer cardholders enjoy a 6% discount on diesel purchases.

Diesel Support Date Advanced

Responding to farmers’ requests, the municipality has moved up the diesel support date originally planned for 2024. This year, 4 million 842 thousand 800 liters of fuel support will be provided to the 43,015 farmers with registered agricultural land, instead of in January, it will be distributed in October.

Water Access for Agricultural Lands Through the Can Water Project

To mitigate the impacts of global warming and the climate crisis on agricultural production, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has launched the Can Water Project in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Gaziantep Governorship. The project includes the construction of 317,000 meters of irrigation canals across the city, aiming to supply water to 68,010 decares of agricultural land. So far, 89,734 meters of canals have been completed.

Millions of Seedlings and Seeds Distributed to Support Agricultural Production

To increase farmers’ income and reduce costs, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has provided a total of 33,889,955 seedlings to 34,883 farmers. Additionally, to boost certified seed production, 11,093,381 kilograms of seeds have been distributed to 21,014 producers. Furthermore, 243,877 seedlings have been provided to 18,214 farmers based on suitable climate and soil conditions.

The certified Antep pistachio, olive, fig, vine, and pomegranate seedlings grown at the municipality’s Gastronomy and Agricultural Training Center are also distributed to farmers to support production. A total of 74,098 seedlings suitable for climate and soil conditions have been delivered to 1,146 farmers.

Increasing Profits for Producers with Milk Cooling Tanks

Under the “I Cool My Milk, I Increase Its Value” Project, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has distributed 300-liter cooling tanks to milk producers, with expectations that these tanks will increase producers’ profits by 20% to 30%.

Over 1 Million Animals Vaccinated

In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and its Governorship have provided free vaccinations to 1,159,955 animals belonging to 22,479 producers.

Equipment Support for Beekeepers

To ensure the sustainability of production by bees, crucial to the ecosystem, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality supports local beekeepers. A total of 3,379 beekeepers have received 55,927 equipment and medication support.

Post-Disaster Recovery Support

Following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on February 6, 2023, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality developed various projects to assist farmers in Nurdağı and İslahiye continuing their agricultural activities. Assistance was provided to 200 farmers with irrigation systems, and a Common Machinery Park was established where farmers could access necessary equipment.

The Role of Women in Gaziantep Agriculture

To enhance the involvement of women in agriculture, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality carries out various projects. The municipality supports women’s cooperatives and has established an Agricultural Education and Local Products Processing Center, providing cooperative training to 550 female farmers.

Technological Investments by Oğuzeli Women

A cooperative, Oğuzeli Ezogelin Women’s Cooperative, formed among women volunteers who received training, has established a modern freeze-drying system. This facility enables women to produce products with nutritional values closest to fresh produce. Additionally, an processing facility for pomegranates and grapes is also operational for women cooperatives.

Solar Energy Utilization with Yesemek Women’s Cooperative

The Yesemek Women’s Cooperative in İslahiye, with the support of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, has established a solar-powered drying facility for peppers. This facility produces local products such as red pepper flakes, paste, dried tomatoes, and molasses, aiding women in achieving economic independence.

Women Initiatives in Green Nizip

In Nizip district, the Green Nizip Women’s Cooperative, the largest mint production center in Turkey, utilizes solar energy to dry crops like mint and dates with the support of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The project aims to create added-value products, enabling women to generate income.