Rice Harvest Season Begins in Bafra Plain

September 23, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

The rice harvest season in Samsun's Bafra Plain commenced with a widely attended event, where 2026 support premiums and production data for producers were shared with the public.

The 12th Rice Harvest event of the year in Samsun's Bafra district was held with broad participation in the field of producer Serdar Turan in Harız Neighborhood. The agricultural potential of the Bafra Plain was once again highlighted at the event, which brought together regional protocol, chamber of commerce presidents, and numerous farmers. Within the scope of the program, 11 producers who achieved exemplary production in the Bafra Plain were presented with certificates of appreciation and plaques for their success in agricultural production and dedicated efforts.

Speaking at the event, Samsun Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Kemal Yılmaz, emphasized that rice is one of the most consumed strategic grains after wheat in human nutrition. According to data from the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, approximately 1 million tons of rice were produced across Turkey in 2025, with 183,000 tons of this production realized in Samsun. It was reported that approximately 66% of the total production in the province is directly met by the Bafra Plain.

Agricultural supports for rice producers continue in the new season to ensure the sustainability of production. Samsun Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Kemal Yılmaz, announced that producers will be paid 825 lira and 75 kuruş under the basic support in 2026. Stating that the use of certified seeds is encouraged to increase yield and quality, Yılmaz noted that an additional support of 550 lira and 50 kuruş will be provided to farmers using certified seeds, and that the brand value of Bafra rice, which received geographical indication in 2026, will multiply.

A "Rice Aga" auction, a first in Turkey, was organized at the harvest festival. Producer Osman Aktaş, who is involved in buffalo breeding and rice production in Doğanca Neighborhood, won the title of Bafra's first Rice Aga by donating 400,000 lira in the auction. It was announced that the entire 400,000 lira donation collected from the auction will be transferred to Bafra Dedeli Agricultural Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School to develop agricultural education infrastructure in the region.

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