President Öküzcüoğlu inspected the vineyards affected by storm and hail

Alaşehir Mayor Ahmet Öküzcüoğlu, accompanied by CHP Manisa Deputy Vehbi Bakırlıoğlu, visited the vineyards affected by the storm and hail that occurred on June 8th in the Tepeköy, Caberfakılı, Işıklar, Killik, Gümüşçay, Çakırcaali, Sobran, and Yeşilyurt neighborhoods of Alaşehir, covering approximately 20,000 hectares. They inspected the damage and met with affected farmers.

CHP Manisa Deputy Vehbi Bakırlıoğlu stated, "We are currently in the Killik neighborhood of Alaşehir, Manisa. There has been a significant hailstorm. Approximately 20,000 hectares have been damaged. From what we have seen, the damage ranges from 50 to 100 percent. Some farmers have agricultural insurance, while others don't, but the damage is truly extensive. Before us, representatives of the government made a statement, especially regarding those who did not have agricultural insurance, about postponing interest-bearing debts. However, postponing debts with interest is not a solution. These debts need to be postponed without interest, or even restructured. Because farmers will continue to incur expenses for vineyard maintenance. They will have to replant vines, and the cost of vine cuttings is currently around 1,300 Turkish lira per sack. This incurs additional expenses for these people. How will they eat, how will they sustain their households, and how will they cultivate their vineyards next year? It is absolutely necessary to postpone the debts without interest as a priority and to provide a certain amount per hectare as a grant to enable these people to care for their vineyards."

Mayor Öküzcüoğlu: "It should be declared a disaster area"

Following the inspections, Alaşehir Mayor Ahmet Öküzcüoğlu made a statement, saying, "Together with our Member of Parliament Ahmet Vehbi Bakırlıoğlu, we are currently visiting vineyards affected by the hailstorm. We are meeting with our farmers, listening to their demands. Their demands include the postponement of debts without interest. Those with TARSIM insurance will already receive compensation, but TARSIM assessments must be based on actual losses. Grapes were supposed to be sold for 50 Turkish lira per kilogram. After being damaged, these grapes will be used for making alcoholic beverages, wine, or molasses. The price will drop to 15 Turkish lira per kilogram. So our farmers will incur a loss of 35 Turkish lira per kilogram. We must all work together to compensate for this loss. Parliament needs to make a decision. It should be declared a disaster area, and interest should be waived, debts should be paid, and support should be provided to the affected farmers. I hope we will see years when our farmers smile again. I wish a speedy recovery to our farmers."