Aksaray Agriculture Delegation Submits Demands to Ministry
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Representatives of Aksaray's agriculture and livestock sectors presented their proposed solutions regarding input costs, irrigation projects, and pasture issues to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Critical Agriculture Summit in Ankara
Civil society representatives from Aksaray's agriculture and livestock sectors brought the sector's chronic problems and producers' demands directly to the agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Aksaray Commodity Exchange Chairman Hamit Özkök, Aksaray Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Ahmet Koçaş, Aksaray Sheep and Goat Breeders Association Chairman Mahmut Aktürk, Aksaray Women Entrepreneurs Association Chairman Hatice Şahin Eroğlu, and Aksaray Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Emin Koçak visited Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ebubekir Gizligider in Ankara. During the meeting, the city's production dynamics and the obstacles faced by producers were comprehensively evaluated.
Pasture Areas and Rural Construction
Within the scope of the visit, the status and protection of pasture areas, which are vital for the livestock sector, were among the priority items. The effective use of pastures for the sustainability of livestock activities in the city was discussed, while unlicensed construction on agricultural lands was also thoroughly debated. It was stated that unplanned settlements in rural areas should be prevented and the growth areas of villages should be regulated. The delegation conveyed that protecting agricultural lands and implementing a disciplined settlement plan in rural areas are critical for the future of agricultural production.
Mamasın Dam and Irrigation Infrastructure
Agricultural irrigation infrastructure, one of Aksaray's most strategic issues, was also extensively covered in the report presented to Deputy Minister Gizligider. In addition to the project to convert the Mamasın Dam to a closed-system irrigation infrastructure, agricultural water projects planned to be transferred to the region from external basins were detailed. At the meeting, where issues concerning underground water wells and drinking water sources were raised, it was emphasized that the rapid dissemination of modern irrigation technologies and the efficient use of water are inevitable for the continuity of agricultural production against the risk of drought.
Input Costs and Financing Demands
The increases in diesel, fertilizer, and feed costs, which are among the biggest burdens on producers, were conveyed in detail during the meeting. Drawing attention to the fact that the increasing cost pressure is straining producers, the delegation demanded that agricultural support mechanisms be updated according to the real needs on the ground. Furthermore, it was stated that financial solutions that will ease the cash flow of producers should be implemented by evaluating the access conditions, financing terms, and existing credit blockages for agricultural loans used by producers through Ziraat Bank.
TARSİM and Rural Development Cooperatives
The functioning of the TARSİM agricultural insurance system, the most important guarantee for producers against natural disaster risks, and the shortcomings experienced in the field were discussed. While demands for making the insurance system more effective and accessible were conveyed, attention was drawn to the role of agricultural development and women's cooperatives in the rural economy. It was stated that strengthening the agriculture-based industry, adding value by processing products, and especially the organized inclusion of women producers in the economic system will accelerate local development.
Technical Personnel Needs and the Future
The technical personnel capacity of the Aksaray Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Directorates in the field was also among the topics on the agenda. Considering the city's high agricultural and livestock potential, it was demanded that the agricultural engineer and veterinarian staff serving in the field be strengthened. Following the visit, the delegation thanked Deputy Minister Ebubekir Gizligider for his interest and solution-oriented approach, stating that inter-institutional cooperation will increase the city's production power.