Suruç Farmers React to Cost Increases and Losses
Producers coming together in Şanlıurfa's Suruç district protested the high economic burden brought by fertilizer, fuel, and irrigation water prices.
Farmers staging a protest with their tractors in Şanlıurfa's Suruç district stated that they suffered losses due to rising production costs and irrigation water fees, demanding solutions.
Protest Action by Producers in Suruç
Farmers in Şanlıurfa's Suruç district gathered to hold a protest in order to draw attention to the soaring production costs in recent period. Various civil society organizations and political representatives also supported the protest, which some producers joined with their tractors.
Input Costs and Irrigation Fees
High energy costs, fertilizer, fuel prices, and irrigation water fees were among the main problems voiced in the protest area. Farmers emphasized that excessive increases in these items have made agricultural production unsustainable.
Imbalance in Agricultural Product Prices
Producers stated that in addition to increasing input costs, imbalances in the sales prices of agricultural products also multiplied the economic burden on their shoulders. Farmers demanded that costs be reduced urgently so that production can continue.
Support Statement from Ferit Şenyaşar
DEM Party Şanlıurfa Deputy and Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission Ferit Şenyaşar also participated in the protest and shared the voice of the producers. Şenyaşar drew attention to the difficulties experienced despite the region's potential.
Losses Experienced in the Most Fertile Lands
Stating that Suruç has Turkey's most fertile lands, Ferit Şenyaşar expressed that when looking at the last five years, farmers in Urfa have suffered losses no matter what they plant. He reminded that wheat, cotton, barley, and corn are mostly planted in the region.
Major Injustice in Agricultural Irrigation
Saying that there are very major injustices regarding agricultural irrigation, Şenyaşar emphasized that producers put in effort but are forced to sell their products below cost price.
Not Planting the Field Became More Profitable
Conveying the mood of the farmers, Şenyaşar shared the complaints of producers stating, "We plant, we put in effort, and at the end of the day we suffer losses; if we don't plant our field, we won't suffer losses."
Expectation of Permanent Solution and Support
Producers and officials participating in the protest called for urgent support to be given to farmers and permanent solutions to be produced against chronic problems in order to prevent agricultural production from collapsing.