Protests by Turkish farmers over economic hardships continue

Farmers in Konya have joined the growing chorus of protests against the economic hardships facing the agricultural sector in Türkiye. Taking to the streets with their tractors, farmers voiced their concerns over soaring input costs that are threatening their livelihoods. They called for immediate solutions to their escalating problems.

In recent weeks, similar demonstrations have been organized by Turkish farmers in various provinces, including Bursa, Kahramanmaras, Balikesir, Aksaray and Nigde, to highlight the ongoing agricultural crisis in Türkiye.

In the Yunak district of Konya, farmers held a protest with their tractors, drawing participation from a significant number of farmers from both the district and nearby villages.

They expressed their desperation over water shortages and escalating input costs, demanding that authorities take action. The protest also received support from CHP Konya Deputy Baris Bektas.

‘A state cannot be this short-sighted’

Speaking at the protest, Bektas criticized the government’s agricultural policies, stating: “Let’s examine the policies that have brought us to a point where we are unable to respond to the cries, the fires, and the protests of the farmers, and have nearly destroyed agriculture and livestock.”

“Consider our farmer in Hadim, who had to cut down his cherry trees, or our livestock farmer in Ovakavak, who sent his cows to slaughter because milk prices were not sustainable. In Seydisehir, 40,000 tons of watermelon were left unharvested in the fields. We hear all these cries,” he added.

Bektas further highlighted the uncertainty facing Turkish farmers, “And now, we have come to Yunak. Look, we are living in a country where it is unclear what crops will be planted, when they will be planted, how much will be planted, and to whom they will be sold.”