Malatya livestock producers seek aid for rising costs

Livestock producers in the Yazıhan district of Malatya are calling for government support to address rising production costs and resource shortages. During a breeding program in the Sinanlı neighborhood, İhsan Akın, President of the Malatya Breeders of Sheep and Goats Union, emphasized the need for practical assistance rather than symbolic gestures.

Key challenges identified by producers include insufficient pasture lands and the high cost of labor. Specifically, shepherd wages have reached between 45,000 and 50,000 Turkish Liras per month, creating a significant financial burden. Producers noted that while family members can manage animal care, hiring external help is becoming increasingly difficult due to rising costs and a lack of interest in agriculture among local youth.

Akın also noted that since the February 6 earthquakes, there has been a local trend of people returning to rural areas, leading to an increase in both large and small ruminant livestock. However, he stressed that for the sector to remain sustainable, authorities must address infrastructure needs such as roads, water access, and pasture improvement.