Opposition presidential candidate Kılıçdaroğlu announces agricultural projects

Duvar English

Main opposition bloc Nation Alliance’s presidential candidate and Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on April 22 announced agricultural development projects he will implement should he assume power in the upcoming election in a new video he shared on his social media accounts. Kılıçdaroğlu started to announce his projects in a video series titled "Mr. Kemal's Board" in which he writes down important points.

Referring to the latest attacks against him because of his Alevi heritage, Kılıçdaroğlu said “Let our nation never be upset or angry about what happened. Let's keep our calm and focus on developing this country, please. Today I am talking about our agriculture and husbandry revolution.” 

Kılıçdaroğlu said the government has made Turkey dependent on the foreign countries for agricultural products. “Turkey will be self-sufficient in agriculture and animal husbandry and will become an export giant in a very short time.”

The 74-year-old candidate said they will use public farmlands to produce and breed seeds and livestock which will be given to farmers for free. “Teams consisting of one veterinarian, one agricultural engineer and one agricultural technician will be established in each of our villages. Free support will be provided to farmers in disease treatment, vaccination, soil analysis and plant health. We will donate pregnant cattles to families who want to join the system. We will produce 3,750,000 cattle and 7.5 million small cattle in five years and distribute them to the farmers free of charge.”

“We will establish special economic zones for agriculture and livestock in Afyon, Konya and Erzurum provinces. In addition, we will build ports for livestock and agricultural products in Ordu and Hatay provinces. Turkey will be the region's largest exporter of food and livestock. When necessary, we will subsidize agricultural activities,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.

“You cannot achieve the industrial revolution with hungry children. Our children will eat meat and grow up healthy. Our meat and milk will be cheap and plentiful. Don't worry, we're coming,” he lastly added.

Kılıçdaroğlu is running for the presidency for the May 14 election, alongside with ruling People's Alliance candidate President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, CHP-breakaway Homeland Party Chair Muharrem İnce and far-right ATA Alliance candidate Sinan Oğan.

In recent days, Kılıçdaroğlu has been on the target from Islamists after he openly expressed his Alevi heritage in a video, something Alevis in Turkey hesitate to openly say due to fear of discrimination.