Pedigree Small Ruminant Support Begins for Earthquake-Affected Producers in Gaziantep
· Google Haberler
As part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's rural development project, the distribution of pedigree small ruminant animals of the Ivesi breed, sourced from TIGEM, has commenced for 39 eligible beneficiaries in Gaziantep.
Pedigree Animal Support in Rural Development
Within the scope of the 'Support for Livestock in Rural Areas' project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the distribution of small ruminant animals has begun across Gaziantep. Providing information on the project's application and selection process, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman made the following statement:
"Under the 'Prosperity in Rural Areas: Support for Livestock' initiative for 2026, there was a project by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Within this project, nearly 4,000 individuals applied to benefit in Gaziantep. However, based on the scoring system, 39 principal individuals were identified. They will benefit from the project if they meet the conditions."
Touching upon the general state of the sector, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman continued his remarks:
"To increase livestock farming, it is necessary to ensure that animals and products are sold at their true value. The sector is challenging, but despite this, if producers receive the reward for their labor, they will continue to produce."
Ivesi Breed Sheep Provided by TIGEM
Under the project, each eligible producer is being provided with 96 female sheep and 4 pedigree breeding rams. Stating that the distributed animals are of the Ivesi breed, which is adapted to regional conditions, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman explained the delivery process:
"The animals will be of the Ivesi breed, which is native to our region. The procurement of these animals will be from TIGEM located in Ceylanpınar, Şanlıurfa. TIGEM sends a message to citizens saying, 'Get your loan approved by the bank.' When the producer's loan is approved, they go to TIGEM and receive their animals. So far, 5-6 individuals have received their animals under the project, and others are making preparations to receive them. If someone does not wish to receive them, the turn will pass to the reserves."
Earthquake Region and Priority Criteria
Stating that the beneficiaries were determined through a scoring system according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's criteria, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman conveyed that districts affected by the earthquake were prioritized in the selection process:
"Priority was given to the earthquake-affected region. In Gaziantep, İslahiye and Nurdağı came to the forefront. Additionally, being a woman, youth, a relative of a martyr or veteran, or a union member provided a significant advantage. Furthermore, having obtained a 'Herd Manager Certificate' previously from us or the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry also contributed."
Long-Term Support to Boost Production
It was stated that due to the pedigree status of the distributed animals, they will not be directly sent for slaughter; the primary goal is to increase the herds. Sharing the details of the support model, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman provided the following information:
"These animals will be fed, and offspring will be produced. Currently, there is a loan period of 5-6 years. Shepherd support will be provided for 12 months, and there will be feed support. Consequently, this will be a production-oriented effort. As a result, it will undoubtedly contribute to the small ruminant livestock sector in Gaziantep."
Touching upon regional advantages, Gaziantep Province Sheep and Goat Producers Union Chairman Osman Türkman concluded his assessment:
"When comparing at the provincial level, Gaziantep stands out as being somewhat more advantageous compared to other provinces. The state or the ministry periodically has different projects and implementations. In the coming years, there will be similar or different projects aimed at shaping the country's livestock sector and ensuring the continuation of production."