Turkish farmers return to plows as fuel prices soar

In the Bahçesaray district of Van, Turkey, some farmers are reverting to traditional methods, using oxen and plows to till their fields as diesel prices climb to around 70 Turkish Lira per liter. The escalating cost of fuel has made operating tractors financially unfeasible for many in the agricultural community.

“

We are plowing the fields. It's very difficult. What can we do, fuel is expensive, we can't afford it.

Tahsin Hazır, who has been involved in farming and animal husbandry for about 30 years, explained the necessity of returning to older techniques. "We are plowing the fields. It's very difficult. What can we do, fuel is expensive, we can't afford it," he said. Hazır also highlighted the ongoing challenges of a road closure that has lasted six months, exacerbating their difficulties. "We are victims, honestly. Summer has come, but our road is still closed. This is our work from morning till night. Is there anything left that isn't expensive? We are doing this out of necessity. We have no other work."

“

We are victims, honestly. Summer has come, but our road is still closed. This is our work from morning till night. Is there anything left that isn't expensive? We are doing this out of necessity. We have no other work.

Hamit Hazır echoed these sentiments, describing the tough times faced due to high fuel prices and transportation issues. "I am calling from Bahçesaray, the ninth planet. We are plowing the fields. Our road has been closed for six months. Fuel is very expensive. Life is very difficult," he stated. He questioned the notion of progress, adding, "If this can be called living, we are trying to live as you see. We are in the 21st century of Turkey, you see our situation. If you ask, we are flying to space."

“

I am calling from Bahçesaray, the ninth planet. We are plowing the fields. Our road has been closed for six months. Fuel is very expensive. Life is very difficult. If this can be called living, we are trying to live as you see. We are in the 21st century of Turkey, you see our situation. If you ask, we are flying to space.

The farmers are calling on local officials to address their plight, emphasizing their return to 1990s-era farming methods due to the inability to purchase fuel. "We are trying to make our voices heard by the authorities here, but unfortunately, no one is listening," Hazır lamented. He appealed to the local headmen to raise their concerns in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, seeking the same rights and support afforded to miners.

“

We are trying to make our voices heard by the authorities here, but unfortunately, no one is listening.