Livestock farmers shared their challenges with a delegation seeking solutions. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu visited the Union of Animal Producers and Breeders. During this visit, Union President Adil Onalt conveyed the current difficulties in the livestock sector.
Onalt stated that producers are in a tough situation due to rising input costs. He highlighted that while the cost of milk has risen to around 40 TL, the market price fluctuates between 26-27 TL. This situation emphasizes the inability of local producers to compete and sell their animals.
Onalt also pointed out the need for restrictions on imports to protect local products. The presence of imported goods at lower prices adversely affects domestic products. He stated, “If producers disappear, the country will become completely dependent on imports.”
He emphasized the necessity of increasing the use of local products in the tourism sector, declaring, “Producers should be supported, and this should also contribute to the economy of the country.”
Onalt noted that the lack of regulation is also a significant issue, arguing that despite imports, prices have not decreased as expected. He additionally mentioned that cooperatives have been neglected for a long time, and that Binboğa Feed Factory is a crucial balancing factor for livestock farmers. However, political interventions have impacted the factory’s functionality.
Onalt reminded that during the pandemic, local producers fulfilled the country’s food needs and stated that the value and importance of the products produced during this period should be heightened. Ataoğlu indicated that he is open to suggestions regarding the challenges in the livestock sector and expressed his readiness to support producers.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
