KOP Introduces The Rural Development Model
The Konya Plain Project (KOP) Regional Development Administration introduced its newly developed KOP Agricultural Rural Development Model at a comprehensive event with broad participation.
The agricultural and rural development vision of the KOP Region was discussed in Konya under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the participation of experts, farmers, cooperative managers and sector representatives from 8 provinces and 89 districts. Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye’s Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Village Affairs and AK Party Konya Deputy Mehmet Baykan also attended the program.
The presentation of the KOP Agricultural Rural Development Model was delivered by KOP President Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu. The presentation outlined KOP’s regional development roadmap under the themes of Water Management, Agricultural Production, Human Capital, and Facility Development.
Dr. Karakoyunlu emphasized that the strong support and visionary approach of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır have significantly accelerated KOP’s rural development initiatives.
He also stated that the KOP Administration was established in 2011 to serve 4 provinces, and with the inclusion of 4 additional provinces in 2016, it now covers a total of 8 provinces: Konya, Karaman, Aksaray, Niğde, Kırşehir, Kırıkkale, Nevşehir, and Yozgat.
“₺18 Billion Investment in the Region”
Sharing key details from the presentation, Dr. Karakoyunlu said:
“We began our work to serve 8 provinces, 89 districts, and 1,606 villages and neighborhoods — a population of 4.7 million and 12% of Türkiye’s total land area. To date, we have implemented 2,218 projects with a total investment value of ₺18 billion. There are 462 institutions and organizations providing services for rural development in the region. Together with agriculture, national education, industry and other institutions, we are building a comprehensive regional development story.”
“Closed Irrigation Pipeline Long Enough to Circle Türkiye 5.5 Times”
“The region has approximately 4.5 million hectares of agricultural land, requiring 22.5 billion cubic meters of water for irrigation. Our current water potential is 16.2 billion cubic meters, meaning we face an annual water deficit of 6.3 billion cubic meters. Efficient and balanced water use is therefore essential. As KOP, we deliver water from its source to the fields. So far, we have established 8,825,130 meters of closed irrigation pipeline — a distance equivalent to circling Türkiye 5.5 times.”
Strengthening the Region Through the Small Ruminant Livestock Model
Dr. Karakoyunlu also explained the services and models implemented across agriculture, mechanization and livestock sectors, highlighting the significant contributions of the Small Ruminant Livestock Model.
The model begins with Pasture Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Enhancement to reduce feed costs. This is followed by installing water troughs, providing portable shelters, caravan support for herd managers, and developing initiatives to transform wool into value-added products. These stages are supported by establishing and assisting milk processing facilities, complemented by efforts in branding and marketing, creating a holistic model.
State and Citizens Working Together
Following the presentation, MP Mehmet Baykan stated:
“Our state does not only guide society through ministries and directorates. Through institutions such as the KOP Administration, which maintain strong relations with civil society organizations, we stand together with our citizens. I thank the KOP Administration for its performance in rural development efforts across eight provinces, from agriculture to water management, health to tourism.”
A replica of a historical seal from Sultan Abdulhamid II’s 1908 irrigation decree sent to the Konya Irrigation Union was presented to MP Baykan by Dr. Karakoyunlu.
Experts and speakers also shared valuable insights during the program, offering important perspectives for the region’s development.
“Türkiye is Mobilizing for Rural Development”
Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, President of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association:
“Türkiye is mobilizing for rural development. We previously pushed people to migrate from villages to cities due to misunderstandings. Now we must accelerate the opposite — the return to rural areas. This requires collective effort.”
“Climate and Water are Our Biggest Challenges”
Osman Öztürk, Chairman of the Tire Milk Cooperative:
“Our greatest challenges are climate and water. In the Küçük Menderes basin, these issues have worsened for the last 10 years. While we once harvested three yields per field in livestock farming, now we struggle to obtain one. Without producing our own feed, livestock production will decrease and we may face the need for increased imports.”
“Small Enterprises are Vital for the Country”
İlhan Koçulu, Founder of Kars Boğatepe Environment and Life Association:
“KOP’s strategy is clearly the right one. Small enterprises feed themselves, their surroundings, and the country.”
“We Stand at the Starting Point of Everything”
Özgür Ahmet Köse, Brand and Story Designer:
“We live on a land where agriculture began. Money and commerce originated here. There is no reason for hopelessness. We are standing at history’s starting point.”
“The Need for Clean Food Will Increase”
Ahmet Şerif İzgören, İzgören Academy Trainer and Founder of Kara Oklar Ecological Farm:
“In the future, five major developments await the world: rising temperatures, decreasing water resources, increased migration, the rise of artificial intelligence and a growing need for clean food. Your work has a tremendous future.”
Awards Presented to Successful Producers
During the second session, participants shared their views and suggestions for the KOP Region in focus group meetings. Awards were presented to successful producers by MP Mehmet Baykan, KOP Vice Presidents Kasım Akyol and Ahmet Suad Toprak, and distinguished guests.
The program concluded with a group photo session.
