By Abbas Nazil
Türkiye is advancing major investments in agriculture and forestry to strengthen rural livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability, with Bolu at the center of several transformative projects.
Forestry rejuvenation efforts in the province include the planting of 1.5 million saplings this year, rehabilitation of 18,000 decares of pasture, and upgrades to irrigation systems designed to improve productivity and resilience.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı, during a series of programs in Bolu, emphasized that these initiatives form part of the national vision known as the “Century of Türkiye.”
He described the vision as a historic responsibility rather than an abstract dream, stressing that the nation is determined to shape its own future without external interference.
According to him, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has become one of the rising powers of the 21st century.
Yumaklı highlighted that the vision of the “Century of Türkiye” is inclusive, built on unity among citizens of different ethnicities, faiths, and professions, all sharing the responsibility of advancing national goals.
He noted that agriculture and forestry are fundamental pillars of this vision, with food supply security framed as a matter of national security.
Consistent investments over the past 23 years have positioned Türkiye as the leading agricultural producer in Europe and seventh globally in output.
The minister also addressed challenges from climate change and global warming, identifying them as critical threats to food production and natural resources.
In response, Türkiye has adopted water-centered production planning since 2024, aligning agricultural supports, incentives, and grants with sustainable practices to ensure long-term resilience.
Yumaklı cited the frost earlier in the year that affected hazelnut, walnut, and apple producers in Bolu, stressing that assistance through the Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSIM) had already delivered TL 16 million in payments, with an additional TL 19 million scheduled by November.
Support has also been extended to uninsured producers whose losses could still be compensated.
He further explained that the recently announced Medium-Term Program incorporates measures aimed at strengthening agriculture, forestry, and water management, ensuring growth, resilience, and inflation control within the next three years.
Bolu’s agricultural significance was underscored, with the province being a major poultry production center and holding geographical indication status for 26 products.
Over the past two decades, investments have included 66 irrigation facilities and 11,000 decares of irrigated land, generating around TL 110 billion for the local economy.
In addition, 8,525 rural development projects have been supported, while livestock production benefits from the rehabilitation of 18,000 decares of pasture.
Infrastructure projects underway include the TL 6-billion Tekke Dam irrigation system, the Kürkçüler-Çivril Mahallesi Gücük Stream project, and flood control measures at Yeşilköy Stream, all scheduled for completion within two years.
The Seben Taşlıyayla Pond irrigation project, costing TL 965 million, is already 45% complete and will serve 3,280 hectares by 2027.
Yumaklı added that more than TL 160 million will be invested in forestry this year alone to rejuvenate forests and enhance greenery in Bolu.
He concluded that Türkiye is advancing on a historic path of self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and rural development, with strategic investments ensuring stronger livelihoods, secured food supply, and continued leadership in global agriculture.
