Turkey: Agricultural output up 47% in recent years

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey's agricultural production rose 47% in the last several years thanks to technology and innovation efforts done with the support of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, said the ministry's head on Friday.

Agricultural exports constitute one-third of the country's total agricultural production, Bekir Pakdemirli said in a speech at Turkey Innovation Week held virtually by the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM).

Turkey can boost this share by taking advantage of its geographic location, he said.

"There is $1.9 billion of agricultural yield surrounding the country, and we should bring those products into our country and process and sell them to the world," Pakdemirli stressed.

He underlined that the agriculture sector grew 5.3% year-on-year on average in the first three quarters of this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Touching on Turkey's first indigenous electric tractor, Pakdemirli said it will be put into service soon.

"We started the mass production for 20 units at first, then it will be ramped up," he said.