KGTÜ and Konya Şeker Collaborate to Hold Farmer Meeting in Cihanbeyli

The Farmer Meeting organized in Cihanbeyli district in collaboration with Konya Food and Agriculture University (KGTÜ) and Konya Şeker A.Ş. was held with the active participation of producers in the region. The event was planned with the aim of increasing agricultural production efficiency, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and informing farmers about current scientific and technological developments. The program brought together academic knowledge and industry experience to facilitate comprehensive knowledge sharing.

The event addressed the effects of climate change, whose impact is becoming increasingly apparent with each passing day, particularly the changes it has caused in rainfall patterns and their effects on agricultural production. Issues such as rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall amounts, and the efficient use of water resources in the Cihanbeyli Plain, one of Turkey's important agricultural basins, were evaluated in detail. With the increased risk of drought, the importance of water management, soil health, and alternative production models was emphasized; the current situation of the region and possible scenarios for the future were discussed.

At the farmer meeting, one-on-one discussions were held with producers, key issues encountered in the field were evaluated, and solutions to these problems were shared. In addition, officials speaking at the event highlighted the strategic importance of university-industry collaboration for agricultural development, stating that integrating scientific research outputs with field applications contributes significantly to both producer welfare and national agricultural policies.

Research conducted in collaboration with Konya Sugar, Konya Food and Agriculture University, and the Seed and Plant Health Clinic has provided information on plant diseases commonly found in the region and strategies to combat these diseases. It has been noted that such events facilitate farmers' direct access to up-to-date and reliable information.
The Cihanbeyli Farmer Meeting is expected to contribute to the dissemination of conscious agricultural practices and support the sustainability of regional agricultural production. It was stated that Konya Food and Agriculture University and Konya Sugar Inc. will continue to bring producers together with similar events in the coming periods.