The 10th Teke Region Agriculture, Livestock, Agricultural Technologies and Feed Fair, organized this year in Burdur, opened its doors to visitors with a magnificent ceremony. The fair, held at the Uzay Çatı Halk Pazarı area between May 8-11, can be visited every day until 19:00.
The opening ceremony was attended by Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan, AK Party Deputy Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz, CHP Deputy İzzet Akbulut, Mayor Ali Orkun Ercengiz, MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, representatives of non-governmental organizations, public institution directors, and numerous producers. After a moment of silence and the National Anthem, protocol speeches were made at the ceremony.
Sharing knowledge and experience in agriculture is important
Burdur Chamber of Agriculture President Kemal Kubilay emphasized that the fair greatly contributes to the transfer of knowledge and experience among sector stakeholders, stating that efforts are ongoing to empower producers and increase agricultural productivity.
Chamber of Commerce President Ömer Faruk Gündüzalp stated that Burdur holds strategic importance in agriculture and livestock, saying, “These lands shape our future. Greenhouse farming is growing in Söğüt, and tomato production has reached 300,000 tons.” However, he also added that due to drought and agricultural frost, there were yield losses in some products in 2024.
Digital agriculture and embryo production stand out at MAKÜ
MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar explained the projects carried out by the university with the aim of regional development in livestock. Stating that they are one of the two centers in Turkey with a license for embryo production and transfer, Dalgar said, “We are taking an important step to increase the presence of animals with high genetic traits.”
We are shaping the future of agriculture and livestock together
In his speech, Rector Dalgar said; "As MAKÜ, we are a university rising from the heart of the region. For the development of agriculture and livestock, we work side by side with our farmers and breeders in the field, mobilizing our academic human resources and research-development infrastructure to support and strengthen them. With more than 50 active projects in the field of agriculture and livestock, we are transforming the power of academia into production. As the first and only university in Turkey with a license for embryo production and transfer, we are excitedly working to transform not only Burdur but also our country's livestock sector into a qualified production base by increasing the presence of animals with high genetic traits.
We are initiating digital transformation in agriculture
With the ‘Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Robots Undergraduate Department’, which will be opened in only a few universities in Turkey, we are digitizing agricultural production and preparing our youth for the technologies of the future. In this way, we hope to provide strong support to the sector with our pioneering education programs ranging from digital greenhouse farming to agricultural machinery.
Village University is the first and only in Turkey
With our Village University Project, which is the first and only in Turkey, we are directly bringing academia together with rural areas, transforming rural development into a model powered by knowledge.
I wish the fair to be fruitful, productive, and beneficial for our region and our country. I extend my thanks to our governor, deputies, mayor, all non-governmental organization presidents, and the fair company, especially those who contributed to the organization of the fair." he said.
Support for women farmers, investment in youth
Burdur Mayor Ali Orkun Ercengiz stated that the fair is not only a platform where technological innovations are exhibited but also an important event where producers, consumers, and sellers meet. Ercengiz emphasized that value-added creation is necessary, especially in walnut and almond production, and that planned agricultural models must be implemented against the climate crisis.
Deputies İzzet Akbulut and Adem Korkmaz also highlighted the importance of agriculture and livestock in terms of national strategy in their speeches. Akbulut emphasized the need to support production by saying, “Those who despise agriculture will find it difficult to see tomorrow.” Korkmaz stated that Burdur has made significant progress in cattle and sheep farming despite geographical challenges.
Women farmers competed, protocol presented awards
Awards were presented to the women farmers who ranked in the competitions held within the scope of the fair by Burdur Governor Baydar Bilgihan and the deputies. The opening ceremony ended with the cutting of a cake specially prepared for the 10th anniversary of the fair.
After the ceremony, protocol members toured the stands and conveyed their best wishes to the participating companies and institutions. Governor Baydar Bilgihan stated that the fair will grow even more in the coming years, highlighting its cultural and economic contributions as well as agricultural development. He also announced that the promotion of Burdur's geographically marked products will continue with events to be held in Yeşilova between May 28-31.
MAKÜ stand attracted great interest at Teke Region Fair
At the Teke Region Agriculture, Livestock, Agricultural Technologies and Feed Fair, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) once again attracted attention with its stand. MAKÜ, which took its place at the fair, attracted great interest by both sharing its academic knowledge with producers and promoting the projects developed within the university.
As every year, this year as well, the faculty members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine provided one-on-one information to the producers and breeders visiting the fair on animal health and nutrition.
Village University shared its work
The executors and project staff of the newly implemented 'Village University' project also took their place at the stand, answering questions about the project and explaining their efforts to raise awareness among the local people.
Additionally, the promotion of natural products produced at the Milk Processing Center operating at the MAKÜ Farm was also presented to the fair visitors. The fermented sausage produced by the Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Meat and Meat Products Research Unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was offered to the public's taste. Visitors to the fair had the opportunity to both taste the products and learn about the production processes.
Another element that added color to the event was the stage performance of the students of the Turkish Music State Conservatory. The students, who gave mini concerts in the stand area, provided enjoyable moments for the visitors and added a cultural touch to the fair atmosphere.
MAKÜ's activity at the fair was appreciated for reflecting both the academy-village cooperation and the university's versatile structure.
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