The Türkmenköy Agricultural Research Institute held a presentation program for the “Improvement of the Lentil Production Project” at its facility in Türkmenköy.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Chamber of Commerce Turgay Deniz, evaluated the project as a pilot application, stating that their goal is to produce climate-appropriate legumes in the country, enter the market with high-value-added products, and support the planting-harvest processes.

Deniz expressed that producers and farmers interested in benefiting from the project can apply to the Chamber of Commerce.

Serkan Kayalar, the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), reminded that TİKA has implemented over 150 projects in the TRNC in four years, emphasizing its focus on agriculture and livestock priorities.

Kayalar stated that through this project, they aim to cultivate beans and green lentils in the country and suggested that the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and TİKA would extend to other areas.

Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hüseyin Çavuş highlighted the project as a significant development for the country to stand on its own feet. Pointing out that there is an annual consumption of $3m worth of legumes in the country; Çavuş mentioned that this year, they included chickpeas in the General Agricultural Insurance Fund through the project.

Çavuş emphasized the importance of the $3m added value that the project would bring to the country.

Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu began his speech with the words “Türkiye and the TRNC will continue to walk hand in hand.”

Stressing TİKA’s strong presence in the hearts of the Turkish Cypriot people, Feyzioğlu noted their substantial support to farmers, livestock breeders, and women’s cooperatives.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Feyzioğlu extended his best wishes for its success. He also addressed the citrus and artichoke issue in the country, emphasizing Türkiye’s dedicated efforts to solve the problem whenever the TRNC is involved.