Wrong policies implemented by the government for years brought agriculture and animal husbandry in Turkey to an end. The activity in the livestock sector before Eid al-Adha brought the problems of the breeders to the surface once again. Increasing feed prices every year, the threat of drought and the growing problems due to the economic crisis have devastated the breeders. Speaking to the Milli Gazete, the breeders from Tokat talked about the bad course in the livestock sector. Stating that the costs are increasing every year, but the profit rates are gradually decreasing, the breeders stated that after 2021, animal husbandry may decrease seriously.
“STOCKFARMING GOING WORST EVERY YEAR”
Bedri Kara Erkek, who has been a livestock breeder in Tokat Turhal since his childhood, stated that the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Forestry treats the livestock sector like an enemy, "We breeders are also the children of this country. Does any father leave his child unattended? While we, the breeders, were struggling with the economic crisis in 2016, they went and imported animals and meat. If they had given us the budget they allocated for imports, the livestock sector would have recovered in 6 months. However, farming is getting worse every year. I give 10 thousand bags of feed per year to the animal. While I gave 1 million TL of feed money last year, now I have to give 1 million 500 thousand TL of feed money. How will I compensate for this loss? Last year, we used to pay a maximum of 39-40 TL per kilo of carcass meat, now it is 41-42 TL. Compared to last year, my profit from meat is 1 TL per kilo. How will I continue farming?" he asked.
“HELP GIVEN TO FEEDERS ARE EMBEDDED IN THE CONCRETE”
Bedri Kara Erkek stated that no official has listened to the problems of the breeders for years.
"Instead of listening to the problems of the farmer and the breeder, our officials go to the opening of the gym. When he makes a mistake regarding livestock, he is subject to great sanctions by the ministry. But now the livestock is ending, nobody cares. We do not want money from the state, we do not want grants. We have only one expectation, and that is assurance in our expense items. Let him say that the price of feed will not increase like this every year, if it does, he should cover my loss. The state makes the farmer build a barn as a grant. The aid given to the breeders under the name of the grant is buried in the concrete. This is not how the farmer is helped. Let's standardize the expenses of the breeder, let's not be crushed by big hikes every year, we take care of all kinds of animals," he added.
“IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THIS BUSINESS IN THESE CONDITIONS”
Bedri Karaerkek, "This year, hay prices are also high, and the feed has also taken its toll. On top of that, our other expenses are constantly increasing. As a result, after Eid al-Adha, most of the livestock will quit. Because it is not possible to do this work under these conditions. Not only in Tokat, but also in all of Turkey, my fellow breeders are like me. Everyone has been complaining about problems for years, but 2021 is harder. This year, I brought 250 animals to the victim. I can only take care of 100 animals when I'm gone. I will give the money I earned from the victim to the forageman, I will give it to the hay. We can't stand it," saying that the livestock industry has come to an end.
“I WILL LEAVE THIS JOB”
Mustafa Karaerkek, complaining about the high costs of stockbreeding, "In 2019, the sack of oath was 60 TL, in 2020 it was 75 TL. Now the sack of oath is 163 TL. Towards autumn this year, the ton of straw will reach 2 thousand 500 TL. I buy cattle for fattening for 7 thousand TL. That animal costs me more than 6 thousand TL of feed and hay in a year. The farm has an expense of 50 thousand TL every month with water, electricity and other expenses. How will I make a living in the year? This year, after I finish the cattle I have, I will quit farming. Because now this business is coming back as a complete loss to me. No one thinks of the breeder or the farmer," he added.