500 farmers in Osmaniye were distributed sunflower seeds

As part of the Agricultural Land Utilization Enhancement Project (TAKEP) in Osmaniye, a program was organized with the participation of Osmaniye Governor Dr. Erdinç Yılmaz, where a total of 250 bags of sunflower seeds, weighing 2825 kilograms, were distributed to 500 farmers. The program, held at the Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, was attended by Governor Yılmaz, Director of Agriculture and Forestry Erdem Kolabaş, President of the Osmaniye Commodity Exchange Sait Çenet, political party representatives, and local producers.

Emphasizing the importance of sunflower in meeting the country's oilseed needs, Erdem Kolabaş, the Director of Agriculture and Forestry in Osmaniye, stated, "In our province, sunflower production covered approximately 23 thousand tons in 2023, cultivated in an area of 87,910 hectares, ranking our province 19th according to TÜİK data. The yield per hectare in our province is around 257 kilograms. In 2024, projects prepared by the Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry will be implemented, where 75 percent will be funded by our Ministry and 25 percent will be contributed by farmers. Today, a total of 250 bags of sunflower seeds, weighing 2825 kilograms, will be distributed to 500 farmers, with an expected planting area of approximately 6,000 hectares."

Highlighting the importance of proper land use in Osmaniye, Governor Dr. Erdinç Yılmaz stated, "Just like in olive cultivation, sunflower does not require highly selective land. Therefore, I believe that planting sunflower in more arid and barren areas, while utilizing more productive lands for other crops, would be more appropriate. Mistakes such as improper pesticide use, irrigation, and crop selection can lead to soil degradation, increased salinity, and loss of productivity over time. We must protect these fertile lands as a valuable asset and ensure to pass them on to future generations in the best possible condition.