Synopsis
Agricultural specialists in Turkey assert that developing nations should prioritize agriculture for national security and food sustainability. They emphasize the need for strong farmer support, long-term strategies, and enhanced education to achieve self-sufficiency.Key Takeaways
- Prioritization of agriculture is crucial for food security.
- Long-term strategies needed for self-sufficiency.
- Reducing production costs is essential.
- Support for farmers' welfare is vital.
- Education plays a key role in agricultural development.
Istanbul, Feb 6 (NationPress) Agricultural specialists in Turkey have asserted that developing nations should emphasize agriculture to bolster national security and ensure food sustainability through strong support for farmers.
Halim Orta, a scholar from Tekirdag Namik Kemal University and a wheat cultivator in Turkey's Thrace region, remarked that countries with suitable climates can attain food self-sufficiency if governments implement long-term strategies.
For instance, Turkey can take advantage of its distinct geography to not only fulfill its own food needs but also cultivate unique products such as Malatya apricots and Antalya citrus, thereby decreasing import reliance and improving food security, according to Orta.
Orta highlighted that reducing production expenses, instituting long-term policies, and offering subsidies are vital for guaranteeing sustainable and affordable food access, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Murat Kapikiran, president of the Istanbul Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, underscored the importance for developing countries, including Turkey, to support farmers' motivation and resilience against market uncertainties.
He cautioned that existing policies have resulted in rural population decline, diminishing productivity, land abandonment, water commodification, and increased food import dependency.
"To reverse these trends and develop a resilient agricultural sector, the government must implement policies that prioritize farmers' welfare, endorse sustainable practices, and secure the long-term viability of local food production," he stated.
Last month, agricultural experts also advocated for enhanced planning, improved education, and sustainable practices to ensure the country's food security and advance rural development.
Kapikiran reiterated in a recent discussion with Xinhua that the sector's lack of reliable data and effective planning could lead to abandoned villages, reduced production, and neglected lands.
He urged all involved institutions to adopt more efficient agricultural planning to boost production, prevent rural decline, and alleviate the effects of climate change.
Kapikiran also suggested creating democratic cooperatives to aid farmers in self-regulation, increasing profitability, and addressing financial and supply chain issues.
In Malatya, Turkey's eastern province, Fevzi Cicek, head of the Malatya Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, stressed the necessity for Türkiye to produce more than it consumes to avoid dependency and poverty.
Necip Kati, principal of the Malatya Agricultural Vocational School, emphasized the significance of education in fulfilling the sector's increasing demand for skilled labor. He noted that agricultural schools provide hands-on training in areas such as crop production, greenhouse management, and livestock care, equipping students with practical expertise to support the industry.
Official data indicates that around one-third of Türkiye's 78 million hectares of land is suitable for cultivation.
