Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı visited the Soil Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute Directorate.
Minister Yumaklı, in his statement here, said that 200 thousand analyses are carried out annually at the institute.
Yumaklı emphasized that 7 million tons of fertilizer are used every year in Turkey to meet the nutritional needs of plants, and stated that fertilizer is one of the most important inputs of agriculture.
Minister Yumaklı pointed out that 60 percent of the fertilizer used in the country is produced in Turkey and that approximately 1 million tons of exports are made in the sector.
Yumaklı, who stated that there are approximately 750 fertilizer production facilities in the country, said, “Two more large fertilizer production facilities will be put into service this year. We see that usage has increased in this area, especially with the support and incentives given by our Ministry recently regarding organic fertilizer. However, what is important in fertilizer is to ensure timely availability. This is also our most important agenda item.”
Minister Yumaklı stated that approximately 2 thousand content analyses are conducted on fertilizers every year and said, “Last year, 56 thousand inspections were conducted. Non-compliance was detected in only 113 of these and approximately 23 million liras of administrative fines were imposed. An intensive inspection process that will last for three weeks has been initiated for both fertilizer dealers and production facilities as of today for the spring period when fertilizer use is at its most intensive. 3 of our colleagues will have started fertilizer inspections simultaneously and the samples to be taken during the inspection will be analyzed in laboratories.”
Yumaklı pointed out that if fertilizer is not applied according to the needs of the soil, it will cause harm instead of benefit, and said that the ministry's training and publications are continuing in this context and that they will stand against those who sell fertilizers with inappropriate content to producers.
Recalling that a preparatory workshop was held last week for the 4th Agriculture and Forestry Council to be held this year, Minister Yumaklı noted that one of the important topics of the council would be fertilizer.
During his visit, Minister Yumaklı inspected the Soil Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute and received information from the authorities.
