Turkish agricultural sector faces youth retention and pricing challenges

Agricultural leaders and political figures in Turkey are highlighting challenges facing the nation's farming sector, specifically regarding youth engagement and commodity pricing.

In the Çukurova region, Arık emphasized the need to make farming economically sustainable for the younger generation. He noted that high costs for fuel, fertilizer, seeds, and irrigation often drive young people away from the land. To combat this, he called for increased state support through better financing, equipment subsidies, and the integration of modern technology such as smart irrigation, drones, and e-commerce to modernize production.

In Trabzon, Saadet Party Youth Branch President Haldun Pekdemir criticized the lack of attention given to hazelnut producers. He stated that inflation and rising costs have severely impacted producers, noting that market purchase prices for hazelnuts have decreased compared to the previous year despite higher production expenses. Pekdemir argued that the economic struggles of hazelnut farmers and the migration of youth from the region should be a primary focus of local discourse.