Inspections launched in the field in Kocaeli against grain loss and fire risk during harvest period

With the start of the wheat and barley harvest across Kocaeli, an important process has begun to increase the efficiency of agricultural activities and minimize possible risks. Under the coordination of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, teams hitting the field to prevent a year's labor from being wasted have intensified inspections as harvesters start operating in the fields. Within this scope, controls that started particularly in the Kandıra district focus on critical issues such as preventing grain loss and avoiding field fires to preserve harvest quality.

Kocaeli Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Ali Ulvi Özerdem, Provincial Deputy Director Ramazan Yakar, and Kandıra District Director Ercan Aydın also joined the inspections, finding the opportunity to examine the work on the ground. While teams checked one by one whether the harvesters were operating at appropriate settings, they also determined grain losses detected in harvested areas through measurements. During these examinations, not only technical inspection was focused on, but also informational meetings were held by coming together with harvester operators and producers.

Kocaeli Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Ali Ulvi Özerdem, in his statement to the press and farmers following the inspections, emphasized that these inspections are of great importance in terms of protecting a year's labor. Noting that grain losses that could occur if the technical settings of harvesters are not done correctly could cause great harm to producers, Özerdem stated that teams are continuing these inspections meticulously throughout the province. He added that their goal is to ensure that producers receive the full return for their sweat.

Özerdem also evaluated the possible risks of above-normal seasonal air temperatures experienced this year on agricultural activities, mentioning that fires occurring especially during the harvest season could be devastating for agricultural lands. Expressing that producers and harvester operators need to be extremely sensitive in taking precautions due to hot weather increasing the fire risk, he stated that these warnings were addressed within a broad framework covering not only product loss but also the protection of agricultural lands and natural habitat.

It was reported that the inspections initiated to prevent producer grievances and minimize possible fire risks will continue uninterrupted throughout the harvest season. All fields in the province will be reached, and immediate intervention will be made in case of complaints or detection besides routine controls. The active presence of teams in the field is of great importance for the sustainability and safety of agricultural production, thus aiming to complete the harvest safely.