CHP's Ömer Fethi Gürer: 'Farmers are in debt, diesel has reached 55 TL, we are heading towards a food crisis'

Fuel price hikes hit agriculture
CHP Niğde Deputy and TBMM Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission Member Ömer Fethi Gürer stated that the increase in diesel prices directly affects agricultural production. Gürer stated that diesel, which was 44 TL in December 2024, increased to 55 TL as of June 2025, and that this situation increased production costs during both the harvest and planting periods.
 
Farmers' debt exceeds 1 trillion TL
Gürer announced that farmers' loan debts to banks have reached 1 trillion 8 billion 567 million lira. Stating that increasing input costs, low purchase prices and insufficient support have left farmers in a difficult situation, Gürer said that the debts have become irreversible.
 
Production costs are increasing on the shelf
Stating that increasing energy and transportation costs, especially diesel fuel, are directly reflected in the prices on the market shelves, Gürer said, “Citizens cannot buy the product on the shelf with the money in their pockets. This is an indirect scarcity.” Gürer emphasized that it is becoming more difficult for low-income consumers to access fruits and vegetables every day.
 
Agricultural frost and drought will further increase prices
Stating that the agricultural frost event, which has affected 65 provinces including Çukurova since the beginning of 2025, has significantly reduced agricultural production, Gürer said that farmers are still waiting for the damage to be compensated. Gürer said that the effect of drought has also become widespread and that yield losses will be reflected more on prices.
 
TARSİM is insufficient, support is necessary
Gürer stated that TARSİM payments were limited, and therefore most farmers were unable to compensate for their losses. He emphasized that subsidies should be provided for fertilizer, feed and diesel, debts should be postponed and support should be increased.
 
Call for a raise for retirees and minimum wage earners
Ömer Fethi Gürer stated that there must definitely be an increase for retirees and minimum wage earners in July. Stating that many households cannot access basic food items due to the high cost of living, Gürer said, “There is deep poverty. While food prices are increasing, the fact that wages remain constant is making it even harder for the poorest segment of society.”
 
Lack of planning exacerbates food crisis
Gürer emphasized that there has been no effective planning in agriculture for 22 years, and that the production and supply chain has reached a breaking point due to the combination of climate crisis, natural disasters and cost increases. He drew attention to the need for structural reform and urgent measures in agriculture.
 
 
 
Source: CUMHA - CUMHURS NEWS AGENCY