Turkish cities Kocaeli and Bornova launch seed distribution programs for farmers

The Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality is implementing a 27 million‑lira "Yem Bitkisi Tohumu Destekleme" project that will distribute corn and alfalfa seed to about 1,600 producers through 14 agricultural credit cooperatives. The aid, covering 75 % of seed costs, aims to bring 32 000 decares of land back into production and is scheduled to finish distribution by the end of May.

In the İzmir district of Bornova, the municipal agricultural services have handed out 150 000 vegetable seedlings – including tomato, sweet pepper, hot pepper and eggplant – to farmers in 12 rural neighbourhoods. The seedlings were delivered directly to producers to reduce input costs, with Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasizing, "Üreticimizin yanındayız" (We stand with our producers). Both initiatives seek to bolster local agriculture and lower production expenses for farmers.