Özçelik's Call for Support to Tropical Fruit Producers

Alanya and Gazipaşa, the tropical agricultural basin of Antalya, host 38 different tropical fruit production thanks to its microclimate feature. The economic production of 14 types of fruits such as bananas, avocados, mangoes, dragon fruit and papaya has accelerated in the region. While banana production in Alanya and Gazipaşa reaches approximately 40 thousand decares, geographically indicated avocado production reaches 23 thousand decares and mango production reaches 3 thousand decares. After the increase in tropical production due to the pandemic period and incentive loans, Dentist Murat Özçelik from the CHP Alanya District Organization announced a comprehensive action plan to protect and support producers.

Import Quotas and the Search for New Markets

Özçelik emphasized that during the harvest period of high value-added tropical fruits, the state should increase import quotas or close them completely. Otherwise, it was stated that the producers suffered losses and withdrew from production. The importance of creating new markets for greenhouse vegetables and tropical fruits, supporting producer associations and cooperatives was mentioned. It was stated that the Agricultural Organized Industrial Zone, which includes packaging, branding and processing facilities that neighboring districts can also benefit from, should be established. In addition, it was requested that the region be declared a Logistics Agriculture Zone with the integration of Gazipaşa - Alanya Airport, which will enable the products of the region to reach the Avrupa, Rusya, Ukrayna and Ortadoğu kitchens in three hours.

Agricultural Irrigation and Sustainable Support Models

It was stated that Dim, Yeniköy and Gökçeler dams should be used more effectively in order to meet the agricultural irrigation needs of the region. While it was requested that producers with tax and SSI debts should also benefit from incentive loans, it was stated that young farmers should be supported with the return to village project, village schools should be reopened and health and veterinary services should be moved to rural areas. VAT and SCT-free diesel support for the producer, purchase guaranteed production model, predetermined base price and basin-based agricultural supports were also among the solution suggestions. It was stated that it is essential for agricultural sustainability to clarify the sales price, quality and marketing process of the seed before it meets the soil.

# Alanya # Agriculture # TropicalFruit # Farmer # Economy # Export # Gazipaşa

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