Crucial Steps in the Konya Plain Project

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz highlighted critical steps to be taken for the region during the Konya Plain Project (KOP) Action Plan Briefing and Consultation Meeting.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz arrived in Konya for the KOP Action Plan Briefing and Consultation Meeting, accompanied by Minister of Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, and Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat.

Yılmaz, emphasizing the critical water issue, described it as a pressing challenge for the region: “Overexploiting underground water resources jeopardizes the future of this region. Instead of short-term gains, we must focus on medium- and long-term planning. In this regard, a significant awareness has developed in Konya. We need to prioritize using water efficiently and align crop patterns with available water resources.”

"We Do Not Want Sinkholes in the Region"

Yılmaz, “We must facilitate the transition process by offering alternatives to our farmers without reducing their income. We do not want sinkholes caused by human activity in our region. Our most important priorities are water and increasing efficiency in agriculture. We need to approach agriculture in connection with industry and trade. If we achieve this, our farmers' income will increase, and consumers will have access to more affordable products.”

"The transportation sector is also crucial. It is a sector that both influences and is influenced by all others. At this stage, our top priority is investments that connect production areas with markets and reduce logistics costs. We must integrate the region's industrial and tourism potential with the Mediterranean. The steps we take in transportation are vital for utilizing the KOP Action Plan more effectively. We have initiated and will continue to implement major transformations in regional development policies to activate local potential and accelerate development, from infrastructure to education, agriculture to industry, and trade. Under the leadership of our President, we will continue our efforts toward comprehensive development in line with our Türkiye Century goals," he stated.