Turkey distributes almond seedlings and tractors to aid farmers and forest villagers

In the Keban, Karakaya and Sivrice districts of Elazığ, a programme called “Çiftçiye Hayat Olsun” will provide at least 20,000 almond seedlings free of charge to farmers on abandoned, hilly or limestone soils. The seedlings, sourced from Şanlıurfa Birecik and drought‑resistant, are slated for planting in the autumn and are intended to green the land and create a lasting source of income for local families.

In Yenice, Karabük, the ORKÖY (Orman ve Köy İlişkileri) project handed over five tractors and five grain drums to forest‑village households, together with credit and grant assistance. Ten families received 10 million Turkish lira in interest‑free loans, and the regional plan covers credit for 139 families (45 million TL) and 310 families in the forest directorate area (115 million TL), of which 92 million TL is loaned and 23 million TL provided as grants. Local officials highlighted the support’s role in boosting production, strengthening the economy of forest villages and contributing to regional development.