Massive 190 Billion Lira Investment for Aydın's Agriculture
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has implemented agricultural and water investments worth 190 billion lira in Aydın over the last 24 years, aiming to boost the province's $400 million agricultural exports through industrial integration.
Comprehensive Agricultural Summit in Aydın
As part of his program in Aydın, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı held various official meetings, notably with the Aydın Governorship, Aydın Metropolitan Municipality, and the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Signing the Governorship's honorary guestbook, Minister Yumaklı made comprehensive assessments regarding the province's agricultural development initiatives and water policies. Yumaklı stated that Turkey's secure and stable environment accelerates economic development, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted transfer of national resources to strategic areas directly impacting production, such as agriculture and technology.
Massive Investment in Water and Irrigation Infrastructure
Announcing the financial scope of the investments implemented across Aydın, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that approximately 190 billion lira in public investment has been made in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and water in the province over the last 24 years. According to the Ministry's official data, a total of 199 facilities were commissioned in the water and irrigation sector during this period. Thanks to these physical investments, approximately 604,000 decares of fertile agricultural land have been provided with modern irrigation facilities, ensuring the yield efficiency of regional producers.
Global Targets for 'Four Efes' Products
Speaking about the province's rich agricultural landscape, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı reminded that 36 main agricultural products are grown in Aydın. Minister Yumaklı highlighted the strategic position of fig, cotton, olive, and chestnut production, which are considered the agricultural symbols of the province and are referred to as the '4 Efes'. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following assessments regarding Aydın's agricultural infrastructure and strategic product targets:
"Approximately 190 billion lira has been invested in agriculture, forestry, and water in the last 24 years. 199 facilities have been put into service in the field of water and irrigation. Approximately 604,000 decares of land have been opened to irrigation. There are 36 products. Most importantly, the '4 Efes' – fig, cotton, olive, and chestnut. We will definitely work to further develop these products in which we are world number one or among the top rankings."
Agricultural Insurance: The Producer's Guarantee
Addressing the risks in agricultural production on the ground, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized that the hard work of farmers must be protected. Stating that they reject unfair criticisms against producers at every opportunity, Minister Yumaklı reminded that agricultural insurance is essential for the continuity of agricultural production. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following statements regarding risk management for producers:
"Agricultural insurance must be made as a guarantee of labor."
Minister Yumaklı stated that farmers should benefit maximally from insurance mechanisms against changing climate conditions and natural risks.
Tenfold Growth in Agricultural Exports
Evaluating the province's foreign trade performance, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that Aydın's agricultural export volume has increased tenfold over 24 years, reaching approximately $400 million. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı explained the goals of industrial integration with the following words:
"The volume of agricultural exports has also increased tenfold in 24 years, reaching approximately $400 million. But it's not enough; we always talk about this potential. We are planning our investments in this regard to bring agricultural production together with agricultural industry. Rural development investments are a fundamental priority for us."
Ongoing Irrigation and Dam Projects
Providing information about critical infrastructure projects in the region, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said that the Çine irrigation project, with an approximate cost of 2.5 billion lira, will be completed by the end of the year, opening 7,000 hectares of land to irrigation. He stated that the Nazilli drinking water project, costing 3.8 billion lira, will be completed at the end of September, and the Aydın Kuşadası Söke Transmission Line, costing 3.6 billion lira, will be completed before 2028. Yumaklı reported that 11 projects, including the Sarıçay Dam, with a total cost of 7.2 billion lira, are underway.
New Technologies Against Climate Change
Explaining that global warming and drought risks necessitate new approaches in water management, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that advanced technologies are being deployed to ensure no issues arise in drinking water supply. Touching upon the importance of seawater desalination systems on the agenda of municipalities, Yumaklı announced that a protocol has been signed with the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality in this regard for the Didim Akbük region. The Ministry aims to protect water resources through modern treatment and irrigation techniques.