Livestock Support Yields Results in Muş: 22 Percent Increase in Small Ruminant Population

Strategic Growth and Statistics in Livestock Incentive packages implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to revitalize rural production and support family businesses have significantly boosted livestock figures in Muş.
According to current data for 2024, the city's small ruminant population increased by 22 percent compared to the previous year.
During the same period, a 5 percent increase was recorded in the number of cattle, while the water buffalo population rose by 8 percent.
Muş has reached a strategic position across Turkey with its current livestock assets.
The province is home to approximately 254,000 cattle, 7,700 water buffalo, and 1.41 million small ruminants.
These figures have moved Muş to 15th place in Turkey for cattle population and 12th place for small ruminants.
Necattin Gönç, the Muş Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, highlighted the motivation these ministry supports provide to producers and stated that field work will continue uninterrupted.
Reverse Migration and the Role of Young Producers The economic revival in the sector is also showing social effects, encouraging a return to villages from western provinces.
Thanks to the grants and loans provided, it is observed that the young population, who had previously migrated to metropolitan areas, is returning to their villages to focus on livestock farming.
This shift is considered a critical threshold for the sustainability of agricultural production in the region.
Emphasis on Support from Producers Individuals within the sector state that the opportunities offered by the state have effectively reduced operating costs.
Yusuf Bakır, a producer with 25 years of experience, noted that in addition to support for lambs and kids, the affordable barley provided through the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) offers significant relief during the winter months.
Bakır emphasized that such supports encourage young people to engage in production and that livestock farming has once again become a center of attraction in the region.