Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, in his speech at the opening of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia Conference held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, said that the relationship between Turkey and Uzbekistan has reached the level of strategic partnership.
Recalling that the trade volume between the two countries was around 1 billion dollars 10 years ago, Yumaklı said, "Today, this figure has tripled and exceeded 3 billion dollars. I believe that we will reach the trade target of 5 billion dollars in a short time." he said.
Drawing attention to the impact of climate change on agricultural production, Yumaklı said, "As Turkey, we have experienced this very closely in the past seasons. Last year, our grain production experienced a serious decrease due to drought and agricultural frost. This year, with the abundant rains, we expect a new production record with 24.5 million tons of wheat and 10 million tons of barley. These figures mean a 44 percent increase compared to last year. This big difference between the two production seasons shows the impact of climate on agriculture." "It makes it clear that he can be so tough and unpredictable." made his assessment.
TMO BOUGHT 12.3 MILLION TONS OF CEREALS
Underlining that they, as the state, stand by the producers against fluctuations in production, Yumaklı stated that the Soil Products Office (TMO) purchased 12.3 million tons of grain in hundreds of purchasing centers across the country this year.
Yumaklı stated that this amount is the highest purchase in TMO's history, and noted that TMO has the highest grain stock ever, with its transfer stocks and the high amount of purchases it made this year.
Pointing out that 17.5 million tons of grain is currently stocked in TMO, Yumaklı said that a strong harvest alone is not sufficient for food supply security.
Yumaklı pointed out that what the climate gives today can be undone tomorrow, and explained that for this reason, they follow an agricultural policy that uses water resources efficiently, popularizes drought-resistant varieties and is based on planned production.
Stating that the stock and storage capacity against crisis periods has also been strengthened, Yumaklı noted that Türkiye is ready to share its experiences in this field with sister countries.
Yumaklı said that food safety is not limited to the amount of production; the product must reach the mill from the field to the table without interruption.
Türkiye'S POWER IN THE MILLING INDUSTRY
Stating that Türkiye has maintained its first place in world flour exports since 2005, Yumaklı said that it is second in the world in pasta exports.
Yumaklı added that they aim to further carry Türkiye's agricultural power through regional cooperation.
"OUR RELATIONS WITH Türkiye ARE VERY GOOD"
Uzbekistan Minister of Agriculture Ibrohim Abdurahmonov stated that the agricultural sector strengthens relations between countries and said, "We need to be good with our neighbors in order to develop the sector." he said.
Pointing out that technology has become important in the grain industry, Abdurahmonov said, "Many experts came together at this conference, and Türkiye's experience in this regard is also very valuable. Our relations with Turkey are very good. We are trying to apply the experiences we received from Türkiye in all areas." he said.
"PROTECTING THE HARVEST ALSO REQUIRES ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE"
IAOM Eurasia President Eren Günhan Ulusoy also stated that wheat exports to Uzbekistan are constantly increasing and said:
"The crisis around Hormuz increases food costs through energy and fertilizer supply, and shapes the farmer's production decisions and the conditions of the future harvest. Protecting the harvest also requires adaptation to climate change. Drought, extreme temperatures and access to water affect production. For production to be sustainable, farmers must also be able to earn a living."
TMO General Manager Ahmet Güldal also talked about their efforts to regulate the market.
The conference, where bilateral meetings will also take place, will last two days.
