3.3 Billion Lira Support Package for Forest Villagers
· AA Tarım & Ekonomi
The General Directorate of Forestry is increasing the ORKÖY budget to 3.3 billion lira in its 2026 program to support rural development and enhance the welfare of forest villagers.
Billion Lira Support Package for Producers
The General Directorate of Forestry continues to expand ORKÖY support to accelerate rural development and increase the income level of forest villagers. OGM Official Karacabey, providing information about the support activities, made the following assessment:
"ORKÖY supports are also used to increase the effectiveness of the community in protecting forests and combating fires. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 1 billion 933 million lira has been transferred to 5,345 households. Within the scope of the 2026 work program, it is planned to support 11,325 forest villager households and Agricultural Development Cooperatives with a budget of 3.3 billion lira. Additionally, we aim to provide water tanker support worth 118.5 million lira to 667 citizens in 202 forest villages."
Grant and Interest-Free Loan Opportunities
Significant facilities are offered in the financing model, which directly concerns approximately 7 million citizens living in about 23,000 forest villages across Turkey. 20% of the financial resources provided are transferred to producers as a non-refundable grant, and 80% as an interest-free loan. This financial model creates economic security in rural areas while facilitating the transition of villagers to modern production techniques. The support program encourages the active role of the rural population in combating forest fires, in addition to improving living standards.
Agricultural Production and Watershed Projects
Within the scope of the support program, agricultural activities such as dairy cattle, sheep farming, beef cattle, scientific beekeeping, and medicinal aromatic plant cultivation are primarily financed. Investments such as micro-credit, rooftop solar energy, log debarking machines, and heating systems are also encouraged. OGM Official Karacabey stated that natural resources are being protected and the climate resilience of rural areas is being strengthened through the Turkey Resilient Landscape Integration, Climate-Resilient Forestry, and Euphrates River Basin Rehabilitation projects, carried out in collaboration with international partners.