TURKISH AGRI.NEWS

Turkey’s agriculture minister announced Monday that the ministry will subsidize 75% of seeds for farmers in 21 agricultural provinces across the country in an effort to prevent disruptions or delays during spring planting season amid the coronavirus outbreak. Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said that the ministry conducted studies in designated provinces about the potential for increasing areas for planting to ensure food security during the crisis. He added that 75% of the seeds needed for the additional planting will be subsidized by the ministry as a promotional incentive and only a quarter of the costs will be covered by farmers. Pakdemirli said the support program aims to increase yields in strategic products such as legumes, cereal and oilseed crops and guide farmers to use plantations more efficiently during the planting season. The ministry started to distribute seeds of wheat, barley, beans, lentils, corn, sunflowers and rice, which were considered priority products in terms of e...

Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced additional measures Monday to ensure the safety and well-being of seasonal workers against the coronavirus as they migrate to the country’s agricultural regions for the harvest. According to the statement released by the ministry, seasonal workers will be supplied with additional hygiene and personal protection products, and their safety will be ensured during their transportation to agricultural areas and accommodation at the farms. Farms, greenhouses and gardens will be inspected by officials at the direction of the ministry, the statement said. The ministry added that seasonal farmers’ access to agricultural areas will continue during the outbreak to prevent any disruption in the nation's food supply. To ensure farmers’ access to fertilizers, crops and agro-chemicals, officials will do stock controls and inspections at agricultural fertilizer distribution and sales points . Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirl...