Continued Imports Despite Production Surplus Squeezes Farmers
· GıdaTarım
Despite a high harvest yield, produce remaining in fields and ongoing import pressure are accelerating the exodus of young people from rural areas.
The share of young people in agricultural production continues to decline due to low earnings and harsh working conditions, while rural migration increases risks to food security.
Evaluating the current situation, Prof. Dr. Harun Baytekin, a faculty member at ÇOMÜ Faculty of Agriculture, pointed out that despite high yields in fruits and vegetables this year, the produce could not be marketed and remained in hand. Baytekin emphasized that continued foreign purchases while there is a surplus in the domestic market are unnecessary and are seriously disadvantaging local producers.