"Forest Martyrs to Receive Official Title, Says Minister Kirişçi"
Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli Kirişçi, announced plans to increase farmers' earnings through the implementation of planned agriculture at the Agriculture Sector Representatives Meeting held at Ardahan University. Kirişçi stated that the new legislation will boost the agricultural sector in Turkey, and producers will be registered for support. The minister encourages farmers to return to agriculture, as 686,000 hectares of land are currently idle in Turkey, and bringing them back to production could result in an additional agricultural product of 14 billion liras. In addition, Kirişçi assures insurance guarantee to women living in rural areas to encourage them to stay and strengthen the rural economy.
Kirişçi also mentioned Ardahan, the only province without an irrigation system, and that the government aims to solve this issue through the construction of dams and ponds with closed systems, which will improve the sustainability of agriculture in the region.
Moreover, the government plans to give official titles to forest fire martyrs who sacrificed their lives protecting forests and ensure that forest villagers are receiving support from the government. Other measures include the establishment of a rangeland guard to regulate the grazing of animals in pastures without conflict.
Minister Kirişçi assures that Turkey will continue to produce agricultural products and takes pride in the country's productivity, reaching 128.6 million tons from 98 million tons at present. The new legislation and measures aim to improve the agricultural sector further and boost the rural economy, keeping people in the countryside and their livelihoods intact.
