CHP's Ayhan Barut: 'The situation of farmers is pathetic'

CHP Adana Deputy and member of the TBMM Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Committee Ayhan Barut drew attention to the serious problems experienced in the agricultural sector. Barut stated that farmers are in no position to celebrate on May 14 World Farmers' Day, saying, 'The number of farmers, which was 2.8 million in 2003, has fallen to 2 million today. Meanwhile, the debt of farmers, which was 4.5 billion liras in 2002, has reached 940 billion liras today. We have become a net importer in agriculture, and the foreign trade deficit has exceeded 49 billion dollars.'

THE DANGER IN AGRICULTURE IS GROWING

Barut, who is also known for his identity as an agricultural engineer and farmer, stated that the problems in the agricultural sector are endangering the country's food sovereignty. Barut said, 'The AKP's agricultural policies have crushed the producer; an import-oriented approach has been adopted, and the dominance of multinational companies in the sector has increased. This situation puts our country's future at risk.'

Barut emphasized that for the first time in the history of the Republic, cultivated areas in Turkey have fallen below 20 million hectares. Furthermore, reminding that according to Article 21 of the Agriculture Law, at least 1 percent of the national income should be given to farmers as support, he said, 'Since 2007, only 493 billion of the 1 trillion 374 billion liras that should have been given to farmers has been paid. The 881 billion liras owed to the farmer has not been paid.'

'OUR FARMERS ARE WAITING FOR SUPPORT'

Stating that producers are crushed under costs, their products are not fetching a fair price, and they are stuck in a debt trap, Barut said, 'Our farmers are waiting for support. A planned and sustainable agricultural policy that supports the producer must be established.'

Barut concluded his words by saying, 'Despite everything, happy May 14 World Farmers' Day. In the people's government, we will lift up agriculture and the farmer.'

News Source: 12punto