19.03.2025 20:50
After the iftar program with farmers at the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall, President Erdoğan did not make any statements regarding the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Criticizing the opposition's rhetoric in the agricultural sector, Erdoğan stated, "We are the fourth largest in the world in vegetable and fruit production. These are the realities of our agricultural sector that the opposition is trying to obscure."
In the iftar program with farmers, Erdoğan, who listed good news one after another, stated, "In 2025, we will provide 18.5 billion lira in rural development support through budget and credit and co-financing support from international institutions."
SKIPPED IMAMOĞLU AND ATTACKED THE OPPOSITION
Not making any statement regarding the detention of İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu, Erdoğan attacked the opposition based on their criticisms of agricultural policies. Stating that Turkey is the fourth largest producer of vegetables and fruits in the world, Erdoğan said, "In our country, 206 types of agricultural products are produced. We are the fourth in the world in vegetable and fruit production. In raw milk production, we are 9th in the world and 3rd in Europe. With the successes in production, our agriculture and forestry sector has grown above the Turkish average. Turkey, which has been accused of having finished agriculture, is currently the leader in agricultural output in Europe and ranks 8th in the world. In 2002, the exports we made in one year as a country are now achieved solely in agriculture. We export 2,252 types of agricultural products to 186 countries. We export to 104 countries in seed production. For those whose understanding is not closed, these figures are sufficient. They will continue to slander our governments and the sector by finding a lie or fabricating one. These are the realities of our agricultural sector that the opposition is trying to obscure," he said.
Highlights from Erdoğan's statements;
"I thank our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry that brings us together. From here, I send greetings to our farmer brothers who work every inch of the homeland with their sweat. We are also grateful to our farmer brothers for their support for democracy during the most painful times. We cannot forget your standing at the forefront to protect the national will on July 15. Together with you, we have overcome many adversities like July 15.
"TO THE HEROES WHO MADE THE SQUARES NARROW FOR THE COUP PLOTTERS..."
On that dark night, I once again express my gratitude to all the heroes who made the squares narrow for the coup plotters. Together, we have brought our country to a level that is followed in agriculture, livestock, and exports. We strive without getting stuck on the obstacles in front of us, without succumbing to attacks targeting myself and my government. We strive for the peace of 85 million. We are making efforts to give our agriculture and farmer brothers the value they deserve.
"OUR FARMERS KNOW HOW MUCH SUPPORT THEY WILL RECEIVE FOR EACH PRODUCT"
Unhealthy products that are imitated are published instantly. Our fight against exorbitant prices continues without slowing down. We took a series of measures before Ramadan. Our Ministry of Trade and our Ministry of Treasury and Finance have initiated investigations into those who increase prices exorbitantly. God willing, our struggle will continue after the month of Ramadan as well. We implemented a revolutionary regulation last year to address the problems arising from unplanned production in agriculture. With this regulation, we will prevent complaints like 'this product is left over.' We have also shared our new support model. Now, our farmers know in advance how much support they will receive for each product and plan their planting accordingly.
"WE WILL NOT TURN A BLIND EYE TO EXORBITANT PRICES"
We will see the positive results of production planning better in the next 3 years. We are active on 4 fronts; we will not turn a blind eye to exorbitant prices. We are placing water at the center of our agricultural policies. In 22 years, we have put into service water and irrigation facilities with a cost of 3 trillion 350 billion. This year, we will put 321 more facilities into service. I remind everyone of the importance of agricultural insurance and invite those who do not have it to get it. We have grant supports in rural development programs. In 2025, we will provide 18.5 billion lira in rural development support through budget and credit support from international institutions. Thus, we will have provided employment for 10,000 people."