Turkey implements measures to reclaim uncultivated agricultural lands

In Turkey, local authorities and legal frameworks are being utilized to reintegrate unused or occupied lands into agricultural production.

In Edirne, Mayor Filiz Gencan announced that the municipality has reclaimed occupied lands for public use. Since the beginning of 2026, the municipality has cultivated 190 decares of sunflowers and 200 decares of wheat and barley. The harvested sunflowers are processed into oil for citizens in need, while stalks from wheat and barley are donated to livestock farmers. Additionally, the municipality has distributed 2,000 heirloom seeds, 1,200 kg of chickpea seeds, and 10,000 vegetable seedlings to support local producers.

In Muğla, the implementation of Law No. 5403 on Soil Protection and Land Use is targeting uncultivated lands caused by tourism or inheritance issues. Land Identification Commissions have mapped uncultivated areas, and lists of lands available for lease were posted on September 1, 2026. Under this system, owners can lease their land seasonally to farmers through state-guaranteed processes, ensuring the land remains productive while owners receive rental income without taking operational risks.