Mehmet Şah Gültekin, HÜDA PAR Vice President and Head of Economic Affairs, has urged the Turkish government to provide immediate support to farmers hit by a devastating frost that damaged crops across 36 provinces.

In a statement on X, Gültekin described the disaster as a severe blow to farmers’ livelihoods and a threat to national food security and economic stability.

The frost, which struck earlier this month, caused widespread destruction to agricultural products, particularly in Central Anatolia and Eastern Türkiye. Gültekin warned that the losses could shrink food supplies, drive up prices, and fuel inflation, impacting consumers nationwide. “Agriculture is the backbone of our food security and economy,” he said. “This disaster will affect not just farmers but all citizens.”

Gültekin demanded swift government action, including rapid and fair damage assessments, interest-free deferment of farmers’ debts, and renewed production support grants. “The state must uphold social justice and stand with those who feed the nation,” he said.

As images of frost-ravaged fields and orchards circulate, agricultural unions and rural communities await a response from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which is expected to outline a recovery plan soon. (ILKHA)