Özgür Ferhat: “Tobacco producers are facing hard times due to wrong policies”

Within the framework of the event, Ferhat met with factory executives and delegates, bringing to the forefront the challenges faced by tobacco producers in the region.

In his remarks, Ferhat stated that the Rhodope region is one of the world’s leading centers for high-quality tobacco production. He noted that the tobacco sector has been going through a difficult period in recent years due to misguided policies, stressing that purchase prices must be increased and bureaucratic as well as structural obstacles hindering production must be reduced in order for producers to remain economically viable.

Criticizing the current government’s tobacco policies, Ferhat underlined the severe difficulties experienced by local producers.

“Our region is among those with the finest tobacco. However, our tobacco growers are going through hard times due to wrong policies. For us to survive economically, better prices for tobacco and measures that make producers’ lives easier are essential. Unfortunately, the current government has failed to take the necessary steps in this field. New political initiatives are needed,” he said.

Ferhat also highlighted the importance of ensuring that tobacco producers remain in the region, explaining that his participation in the event aimed to directly convey producers’ problems to decision-makers.

“I am here both as a Member of Parliament and as a representative of our tobacco producers. I voiced their struggle, their demands, and their interests,” he stated.

The 50th anniversary events of the SEKAP JTI Tobacco Factory were held with the participation of sector representatives, factory employees, and invited guests.