Yumaklı Invites Citizens to Participate in National Afforestation Day
İbrahim Yumaklı, Turkey’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, called on citizens to take part in the nationwide initiative marking November 11, Turkey’s National Afforestation Day. Yumaklı said: “I invite all of you to join us on November 11, in 81 provinces and 922 districts across the country, to plant saplings and seeds.”
Yumaklı delivered these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2025–2026 academic year at Ankara University. Before the ceremony, he and the university’s rector planted a tree in the garden of the Faculty of Medicine.
In his speech, the Minister emphasized: “The role of knowledge and science in achieving the goals of the Turkish Century is undeniable. The power of science must be combined with the fertility of the soil in the development of agriculture.”
Referring to the cooperation between the Ministry and Ankara University, he added: “The young generation raised here will take the flag from us and play an active role in all fields—from economy and trade to politics and agriculture.”
Yumaklı also described agriculture as strategically important, equating it with Turkey’s defense industry.
Highlighting support programs, Yumaklı said: “Sixty-seven percent of young people benefit from our incentives and grants. Whatever idea you may have in agricultural production, the doors of our Ministry are wide open. We stand by you to help make your dreams come true.”
He urged young people to combine information technology with agriculture and to pioneer smart agricultural initiatives.
Yumaklı recalled the launch of the ‘Green Homeland Mobilization’, noting that the General Directorate of Forestry planted about 500 million saplings and seeds across the country last year, with this year’s target set at 550 million.
“This can only be achieved through collective effort. On November 11, I invite all citizens, from ages 7 to 77, to come with your families, in a joyful atmosphere, and take part in planting saplings,” he said.
The Rector of Ankara University also addressed the ceremony, referring to Israel’s ongoing attacks on civilians in Gaza: “These attacks, despite all international calls, have inflicted deep wounds on the conscience of humanity. Our Palestinian students are not merely guests; they are part of the Ankara University family. We are aware of the difficulties they face, and we consider it our duty to support them both academically and humanely.”
