The Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSİM) has played a pivotal role in supporting farmers in Turkey, particularly in the face of natural disasters. In 2024, the program issued a total of 3.2 million policies and distributed 22.5 billion liras in state premium support and damage compensation. TARSİM provides a safety net for farmers, ensuring that they are protected from the financial impacts of natural calamities, which are a frequent challenge in the agricultural sector.
TARSİM’s coverage is extensive, encompassing various agricultural sectors. This includes crop production, greenhouse operations, livestock, poultry, aquaculture, beekeeping, and income protection. By offering such a broad range of coverage, TARSİM has become an essential tool for maintaining the stability and continuity of agricultural activities in the country. Farmers can insure against a variety of risks, such as hailstorms, frost, drought, and other adverse weather conditions that can significantly affect their yields and income.
In 2024, the program provided a total of 10.5 billion liras in state premium support and paid out 12 billion liras in compensation for damages. Since its inception in 2006, TARSİM has issued 27 million policies and has been instrumental in stabilizing the agricultural sector. The government has allocated a total of 34.5 billion liras in premium support and paid out 33 billion liras in compensation, demonstrating the significant financial commitment made to protect farmers.
The provinces with the highest number of TARSİM insurance policies issued in 2024 were Tekirdağ, Edirne, Konya, Kırklareli, and Yozgat. These regions are known for their large-scale agricultural production, with crops like wheat, barley, sunflower, hazelnut, and corn being the most frequently insured. The widespread adoption of TARSİM across various agricultural sectors highlights the growing recognition of the importance of insurance in mitigating the risks associated with farming.
The breakdown of compensation payments in 2024 revealed that hail damage accounted for the highest payouts, totaling 3.7 billion liras. This was followed by compensation for animal deaths, which amounted to 1.8 billion liras, and frost damage, which resulted in 1.7 billion liras in compensation. Other weather-related events, such as drought, storms, and flooding, also led to substantial compensation payouts. These figures underscore the vulnerability of farmers to unpredictable weather patterns and the crucial role of TARSİM in providing financial relief when disaster strikes.
The impact of TARSİM extends beyond just financial compensation. By offering farmers a safety net, the program helps to stabilize agricultural production, ensuring that farmers can continue their operations even after experiencing significant losses. This, in turn, contributes to the overall stability of the agricultural sector, which is vital for the country’s food security and economic well-being.
TARSİM’s role in supporting farmers is more important than ever, as climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. With its comprehensive coverage and government backing, the Agricultural Insurance Pool provides farmers with the tools they need to weather the storms and continue contributing to the nation’s agricultural output. As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to remain a cornerstone of Turkey’s agricultural policy, ensuring that farmers are equipped to face the challenges of the future.
