Tobacco producers in Western Thrace react to ELGA deductions
As farmer protests continue across the country and increasingly disrupt daily life, tobacco producers in Western Thrace are also drawing attention to the problems they are facing. With tobacco deliveries having begun in the region, producers have voiced strong reactions to recent financial deductions.
Following agricultural support payments made to producers by OPEKEPE (the Agricultural Support Agency) in recent days, subsequent deductions from farmers’ accounts by ELGA (the Agricultural Insurance Organization) have sparked discontent among tobacco growers. Producers described these deductions as “a great disrespect to labor.”
Kamil Hacı, a tobacco producer from the Kozlukebir area, emphasized that ongoing drought conditions in recent years have placed farmers under severe strain. He stated that producers are watching with astonishment as such deductions are carried out by state institutions from the premiums they rightfully deserve.
Warning that even more difficult days lie ahead for farmers—particularly tobacco producers—Hacı said that authorities continue to ignore agricultural problems in Western Thrace. He also highlighted that economic hardship in the region has led to a steady increase in migration abroad. Despite a declining population, he noted, no effective solutions have been found for the problems facing the agricultural sector, which remains the region’s primary source of livelihood.
In light of recent developments, it is reported that tobacco production—one of Western Thrace’s most important sources of income—has declined significantly in recent years. As a result, the local population continues to struggle with growing economic difficulties.
