Demands of animal breeders in Malatya were discussed

A workshop was organized in Malatya in collaboration with İnönü University on the general problems and solution proposals in Red Meat and Animal Husbandry, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at the program, Malatya Chamber of Commerce President Ramazan Özcan stated that the workshop aimed to bring together academic and sectoral perspectives in the livestock sector to determine policies for the sector’s problems, create permanent solution proposals, and establish a value chain where each stakeholder gains. He emphasized the strategic importance of self-sufficient production due to the weakening global supply, the need for state policies ensuring sustainability in production, and the importance of strengthening price stability mechanisms in product markets. Özcan also highlighted the significance of workshops like this in planning the future of the sector and expressed hope for successful results from such efforts. In the workshop, Özcan mentioned that they will try to gather concrete solution proposals for sector representatives’ problems in the short, medium, and long term, considering issues such as infrastructure planning, revision of support policies, improvement of productivity and quality, ensuring reliability in data, fostering innovative and competitive commercial enterprises, and sustaining family businesses’ welfare. A final declaration will be published based on the views and suggestions of the academic board, the organizing board, and sector representatives. Malatya Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Director Osman Akar underlined the importance of agricultural production in light of the pandemic and economic developments, stressing the necessity of self-sufficiency in both plant and animal production. He highlighted that even the smallest production is valuable and contributes to larger productions, emphasizing the essential role of agricultural production as a power source for nations. On the other hand, Inönü University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Gökhan Tuncel mentioned the university’s contributions to the city through such studies. He expressed the university’s intention to systematize the gathered information and suggestions to form a comprehensive report about the future prospects and expectations related to livestock. Tuncel further emphasized the potential for further development in livestock in Malatya, noting that despite the importance of apricot production in the region, livestock should not be neglected, and efforts should be made to enhance it. He stated that the university aims to utilize the received recommendations to activate relevant departments. It is hoped that this collaborative effort will yield positive outcomes.