09.04.2026 13:30
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry responded to the example producer that came to the fore due to animals in Ani village of Kars eating each other's wool because they could not access the pasture. The ministry stated that the claims regarding the prohibition of pasture use do not reflect the truth, and that the practice is merely in accordance with the grazing schedule determined by the regulations.
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, previously described the farmer as a "model producer." Due to the pasture ban, the farmer was unable to graze his animals, and the animals had to stay indoors for a long time. Following this situation, it was observed that the animals became stressed and started eating each other's wool. It was learned that the applications made by the producer regarding the problems he faced remained unanswered due to the "commission decision."
MINISTRY STATEMENT
Following this development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry made a statement regarding the claims in some media outlets and social media about the ban on pasture use in Ani village of Kars.
In the statement made by the ministry, it was emphasized that the situation in question is not a "pasture ban," and that, as in the rest of Turkey, the use of pastures in Kars is carried out within a specific timetable in accordance with the Pasture Law No. 4342.
"GRAZING SEASON WILL START ON APRIL 10"
In the statement highlighting the importance of seasonal planning for the protection of pastures and the sustainability of livestock, the following expressions were included;
The grazing season in Kars for the year 2026 will begin on April 10, 2026. The reason for not grazing before this date is to protect the pastures, allow the grasses to reach sufficient levels, and ensure that livestock can continue sustainably. Grazing in the pastures before the specified dates leads to the degradation of the vegetation structure of the pastures and a decrease in grass yield. As a ministry, to prevent our producers from suffering during this process, an area within the borders of Ani village has been opened for use as a winter shelter from November 1, 2025, to April 10, 2026.
BREEDING PROJECT IS UNDERWAY
On the other hand, a pasture improvement project is being carried out due to the damage caused by overgrazing in the past years in the pastures belonging to Ani village. These efforts are being implemented to make the pastures more efficient and to enable our producers to have stronger production in the long term.
Additionally, our technical teams from the provincial and district directorates are maintaining regular communication with our producers in the field, providing necessary information and guidance. We respectfully announce to the public that we will continue to stand by our producers, protect our pastures, and strengthen our livestock sustainably with determination.