09.03.2025 14:30
An entrepreneur, backed by government support, has established a packaging facility that provides job opportunities for 30 people. This facility contributes to the economy and helps reduce the unemployment rate. The entrepreneur emphasized the importance of the support that the government provides for such projects.
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Hayrettin Alaşkan, who established a packaging facility with grant support from the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) in Nevşehir, employs 30 people.
Under the Pre-Accession Assistance Instrument Rural Development Program (IPARD), jointly financed by Turkey and the European Union (EU), TKDK continues to provide grant support to entrepreneurs in various fields. Alaşkan, who worked as a wholesaler for about 20 years, started producing potatoes, onions, and garlic in different regions, primarily in Nevşehir, seven years ago. He wanted to streamline the packaging process, which was done through the long efforts of workers, using technology to facilitate the marketing of the hundreds of tons of products he produced.
40% GRANT AND VAT EXEMPTION CHANGED HIS LIFE After conducting research, Alaşkan applied to TKDK with a project he prepared, benefiting from a 40% grant and VAT exemption under the IPARD Program financed by Turkey and the EU, establishing a packaging facility with an investment of approximately 24 million lira. Alaşkan also provides employment for 30 people at the facility located in Bahçeli village of Ürgüp district, which has an annual packaging capacity of 72,000 tons.
"IT'S NOT EASY TO ESTABLISH SUCH A FACILITY ALONE. WE SUCCEEDED THANKS TO TKDK" Entrepreneur Hayrettin Alaşkan stated that the sorting and cleaning processes of potatoes, garlic, and onions after harvest are crucial for the preservation and shipment of the products.
Alaşkan explained that receiving grant support from TKDK facilitated the commissioning of the facility, saying: "We used to be wholesalers, then we moved to planting. We cultivate potatoes, onions, and garlic on approximately 10,000 decares of land across Turkey. This need for a packaging facility arose. We got acquainted with IPARD and applied to TKDK. Our machines prepare packages of 1, 5, and 25 kilograms. It was previously done with manual labor. We established such a facility to reduce costs and achieve better quality packaging. We applied for a project conducted in partnership with Turkey and the European Union. We made an investment of 24 million lira, and we received grant support for 40% of that under IPARD, and we were also exempt from VAT. 30 workers sort out the defective products from the incoming goods for packaging. It's not easy to invest 24 million lira and establish such a facility alone. We succeeded thanks to TKDK." Alaşkan advised entrepreneurs who want to develop and grow in their sectors to apply to TKDK.
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