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Israfil Cakmak, who lives in Duzce, continues his family's traditional livestock trade with 100 head of sheep he acquired through state support.
Cakmak, 23, a graduate of Trabzon University's Besikduzu Vocational School with a degree in Foreign Trade, began working at a factory.
While continuing his factory job, Cakmak also decided to carry on the traditional livestock trade in his family's village of Halilbey, in Gumusova district, where he lives with his family.
Cakmak applied for the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry's "Rural Prosperity Small Livestock Support" project and began raising sheep with 95 sheep and 5 rams provided by the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises (TIGEM).
Receiving 15,000 lira in monthly care support, Cakmak contributes to the operation alongside his father, Mustafa, and his mother, Dilber Cakmak.
Cakmak spends his free time outside the factory tending to his animals, inspiring young people in the process.
Cakmak said he took up the trade after his application to the ministry's project was approved and he acquired the 100 head of livestock.
"My family and I grew up in this business. Since I've been around animals from a young age until now, I felt I shouldn't give it up."
"I believe young people shouldn't abandon their roots; the livestock farming and shepherding passed down from their ancestors," he said.
Yunus Gok, a veterinarian at the Gumusova Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, said officials expect livestock farming to grow further through support given to young farmers.
"This is a wonderful project for meeting the red meat needs of Türkiye and our region. It has also offered great opportunities to our young farmers. We hope he sets an example for others," he said.
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