The 2025 budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has been approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA).
During the General Assembly discussions, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized their commitment to continuing rural development investments without interruption. He stated that they have provided 417 billion lira in subsidized loans to agricultural enterprises this year.
Highlighting the significant support provided to farmers and the sector over the past 22 years, as well as the major investments undertaken, Yumaklı noted:
"Agricultural production reached $68.5 billion in 2023. Turkey ranks first in Europe and ninth in the world. The agriculture and forestry sector grew by 4.6% in the third quarter of this year. Last year, exports amounted to $31 billion, and this year's exports are expected to surpass the 2023 figure. A total of 206 different products are cultivated in Turkey. We rank fourth globally in vegetable production and sixth in fruit production. Compared to 2002, our crop production increased by 41%, reaching 138.6 million tons in 2023, setting a record in the history of the Republic."
Rural Development Investments to be Accelerated
Yumaklı pointed out that, over the past 22 years, livestock numbers have increased by 67.7% for cattle, 64.3% for sheep and goats, 48.9% for poultry, and 119% for beehives.
Reaffirming their determination to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, Yumaklı announced that 27 million doses of vaccines would be administered for preventing brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants in 2025.
He also noted that Türkiye ranks second in Europe and 16th in the world in aquaculture production, with seafood exports expected to reach $2 billion this year.
Recalling that 417 billion lira in subsidized loans were provided to agricultural enterprises this year, Yumaklı stated, "Interest rate reductions of up to 100% have been implemented in these loans. We will continue our rural development investments at full speed. By the end of 2028, a total of 61 Organized Agricultural Zones will be established across 42 provinces."
Additionally, Yumaklı announced that the 4th Agriculture and Forestry Council will be held in April next year, bringing together all stakeholders in the sector.
