Women Farmers Add Value to Agricultural Production in Kazova
· tokathaber.com.tr
In Tokat's fertile Kazova Plain, women farmers are shouldering the local agricultural economy by creating added value in the production chain from field to table.
Kazova, located in the Yeşilırmak basin of Tokat and known for its fertile lands, is among the most important centers of agricultural production in the region. Yaşar Kavak, a former Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Advisor and Agricultural Engineer, stated that women farmers are the main pillar of the region's agricultural fertility. Women, who undertake heavy tasks such as planting, sowing, hoeing, and harvesting from the early hours of the morning, take on critical responsibilities not only in crop production but also in livestock activities.
Stating that the role of women in the agricultural sector cannot be limited to auxiliary labor, Yaşar Kavak emphasized that women directly create added value in the production chain. Women play a primary role in transforming tomatoes harvested from the field into paste, peppers into dried goods, and milk into yogurt and cheese. With the recent development of women's cooperatives and entrepreneurial activities, raw agricultural products are processed, branded, and directly converted into economic returns in the market.
It was highlighted that the ancient production knowledge carried by women is of great importance in ensuring agricultural sustainability. The preservation of local seeds, careful use of soil and water resources, and experience in production suitable for seasonal conditions are passed down from generation to generation through women. This accumulation of knowledge forms an indispensable foundation for Kazova's agriculture, blending modern agricultural practices with traditional experiences.
To increase the share of women producers in agricultural income, their access to finance, education, and modern technologies needs to be facilitated. Yaşar Kavak noted that accelerating steps towards agricultural organization and cooperation will directly increase rural welfare. Women farmers taking a more active position in marketing channels will both strengthen the local agricultural economy and maximize Kazova's sustainable agricultural potential.