Stating that agriculture has a strategic importance for Turkey, Agricultural Law Association President Arsin Demir said that farmers in the earthquake zone should protect their lands.
Stating that many citizens moved within the country after the earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023, Demir drew attention to the need to continue the cultivation of agricultural basins in the region.
Arsin Demir said, “Hundreds of thousands of our citizens had to move away from the earthquake zone and migrate to the surrounding provinces or metropolises. Ten provinces hit by the earthquake are the provinces where important agricultural products are grown, and approximately 13 percent of our country's agricultural potential is in that region. However, due to the earthquake, farmers and producers tend to leave the region due to the concerns they experience. The departure of our farmers living in villages or rural neighborhoods in these regions will have a negative impact on the country's economy and local food supply and security. In order for the farmer not to move away from his region and agricultural production, methods such as incentives, grants, purchase guarantees specific to the region should be expanded and the support figures should be increased, and production should not be interrupted. In these supports, the condition of being registered in the farmer registration system (ÇKS) should not be sought.”
LOCAL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD SUPPORT
Demir noted that the shelter needs of the producers should be met as soon as possible so that they can stay in their villages and rural neighborhoods, and continued his words as follows: “A study should be carried out especially on the debts of our farmers to banks, tax offices, Social Security Institution, electricity distribution companies and irrigation, and the debts due. should be postponed for at least 1 year without interest. In addition, the problem of not finding seasonal workers in April-May is brought to the agenda by the chambers of agriculture. Action should be taken now to solve the problem.
We would like to remind you that our farmers, who were damaged by the earthquake, should call insurance companies for their insured houses, animals, products and vehicles and open a damage record.”