The first of the “Kastamonu Talks” events, which is planned to be made traditional by Kastamonu University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, was held on February 26, 2025. Within the scope of the event, which aims to contribute to regional development by sharing the studies of the faculty academicians about Kastamonu with students and relevant stakeholders, a panel on “Rural Development and TKDK in Kastamonu” was organized.
In the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Serkan Dilek, Head of the Economics Department, Dean of the Faculty Prof. Dr. Orhan Kandemir, and Kastamonu Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) Provincial Coordinator Ahmet Kuyulu made presentations. While students showed great interest in the event, faculty members and employees from different university units participated.
Speaking at the panel, Prof. Dr. Orhan Kandemir drew attention to Kastamonu's rural development potential and evaluated the province's current situation and future opportunities in the agricultural sector. Stating that the farm sector is essential to the province's gross domestic product, Kandemir emphasized that rural-urban migration negatively affects agricultural production. Kandemir stated that Kastamonu has a high potential in ovine and Simmental breed cattle breeding and stresses the importance of the animal market in the region. He also noted that garlic, laurel, and chestnut production in Kastamonu can contribute to regional development and that supporting geographically marked products such as Taşköprü Garlic is essential. Kandemir stated that for rural development to be sustainable, cooperatives should be encouraged, farmers should be supported in production and marketing processes, and agricultural insurance should be made widespread.
TKDK Provincial Coordinator Ahmet Kuyulu explained the support programs and duties of TKDK in detail. Emphasizing that grant rates have been increased for young people and women entrepreneurs, Kuyulu pointed out that those who want to invest should closely follow the project calls.
At the panel's closing, Prof. Dr. Serkan Dilek stated that students can start their businesses after graduation by benefiting from TKDK grants and said that Kastamonu's rural development potential must be evaluated. The event ended with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to TKDK Provincial Coordinator Ahmet Kuyulu.
