How we became an agricultural country during the Atatürk era

 In order to ensure agricultural development, the Agricultural Sales Cooperatives Law No. 2834 was enacted in 1935, which aimed to provide market access for producers' goods, increase the value of raw materials through processing, and standardize national products.

One of the foundations of Atatürk's agricultural policy was the practices of Ziraat Bank in supporting agriculture. Especially in the early years of the Republic, the loans provided by Ziraat Bank were increased fivefold compared to the final period of the Ottoman Empire, and by 1932, the credit extended to farmers exceeded 121 million. In this way, farmers' access to finance was facilitated. In 1926, due to poor weather conditions and low crop yields, interest was waived, and debts were restructured to be paid in six installments over three years. Unfortunately, when compared to the recent practices of Ziraat Bank, which sends foreclosure notices to farmers, the importance of these measures is once again evident.

Agro-industrial enterprises also began to be established during the Atatürk era. The Alpullu and Uşak Sugar Factories were opened in 1926. This allowed sugar beets produced domestically to be processed within the country, enabling the production of goods with higher added value. The recent closure of sugar factories linked to agriculture and the choice to import sugar unfortunately puts both the producing farmer and the sugar consumer in a difficult position.

Between 1923 and 1938, the government distributed 200,162 plows to farmers. In the first four years of the Republic, 2,000 tractors were introduced for agricultural production. Atatürk insisted on the use of modern agricultural machinery on the model farm he established himself.

According to the 1927 Agricultural Census, the ratio of land opened to agriculture was calculated at 3%. Atatürk wanted land reform to be implemented to increase the areas available for agricultural production in this way.

In this context, the following statements demonstrate his thoughts in this area.

‘‘It is absolutely necessary for every Turkish farmer family to own the land they live on and work on.’’

In his speech at the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on November 1, 1937, he stated: ‘‘First of all, there should be no landless farmers left in the country. More importantly, the land that can support a farmer's family must, for no reason or under no circumstances, be allowed to become divisible. It is necessary to limit the size of land that large farmers and farm owners can operate according to the population density and soil fertility of the regions where the land is located...’’

Important agricultural organizations were established to strengthen the institutional structure to increase agricultural production.

The Law No. 1910 on Agricultural Organization was enacted, and the agricultural organization was established on December 29, 1931.

In 1935, the veterinary organization was established under the Law on the Duties and Organization of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the forestry organization was established with the Forest Law No. 3116 in 1937.

In conclusion, during the Atatürk era, the institutional structure related to agriculture was established, tax barriers in front of the farmer were removed, the farmer's knowledge of agricultural activities was increased, the farmer's financing needs were met by erasing debts and increasing credit opportunities, steps were taken toward mechanization in agriculture, and agro-industrial facilities were established. An increase in agricultural production and an increase in foreign trade based on agricultural production were achieved. Thanks to this agricultural income, the country paid off its foreign debts, primarily the Public Debt Administration (Duyun-u Umumiye). While the arable land was 4 million hectares in 1927, it was increased to 11 million hectares in 1938, achieving an increase of nearly 200%. While Turkey's imports were 86.9 million dollars and exports were 50.8 million dollars, resulting in a current account deficit, this situation, which lasted until 1929, turned into a current account surplus between 1929 and 1936. Considering that over 80% of our exports were agricultural products, the significant improvements made in agriculture enabled us to have an export surplus. During this period, agricultural production increased by approximately 85%. An economic development model based on agriculture was implemented during the Atatürk era.