Turkish farmers complain that they can not find shepherds for a salary of 50 thousand lire

The development of technology and the growing trend towards urbanization have affected shepherding, a traditional profession in the agricultural regions of Turkey. The profession, which used to be inherited, today does not attract young people. In the Zara district of Sivas, residents cannot find a shepherd with a salary of 50,000 lire ($1,522 with accommodation and food). Herdsmen suffer financial losses as victims of fraudsters.

Zeki Shimshek, president of the District Chamber of Agriculture: "We are faced with such a problem: the shepherd with whom we agreed for 50 thousand lire receives an offer of 61 thousand lire elsewhere and immediately leaves the herd. Even if it is in the mountains, it leaves the animals at the same time. Our ministry must do something about the shortage of shepherds. We must support our youth and the livery industry."

Hõdyr Öztürk, resident of the village of Eimir: "We cannot find people who would graze our animals. We had a deal with three people this year, they said they didn’t have the money to come, so I transferred the money to their accounts. When I got the money, they blocked me and turned off my phones. We offer 300,000 lire in exchange for caring for 150 head of cattle for six months. We provide the shepherds with accommodation, food, clothing and every two weeks we will pay a hairdresser. Despite this, we never found a conscientious employee".