Tekirdağ entrepreneurs expand agricultural production via government grants

In Tekirdağ, Turkey, local entrepreneurs are finding success in agriculture through specialized production and government support. Yasemin Güler Orhan, a student of agricultural biotechnology engineering, has returned to greenhouse farming in the Süleymanpaşa district. She produces tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash, utilizing a 75% grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to support her production process and implement controlled farming methods.

Similarly, Fadime Kuş has built a significant beekeeping operation in the Naip neighborhood. Starting from a single hive found in a field approximately 30 years ago, she has expanded her business to 450 hives, which now serves as her family's primary livelihood.

The Tekirdağ Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry is actively promoting projects such as ‘Increasing Vegetable Production’ and ‘Engaging Young Farmers in Agriculture.’ Officials are encouraging women and young people to utilize state grants, which can reach up to 70%, to support various sectors including pollen, royal jelly, and queen bee production.