When Ali started implementing modern agricultural techniques in his village, he initially faced resistance. The villagers, accustomed to traditional farming methods, were skeptical of his ideas. But with Mehmet's support, they organized educational gatherings, explaining the benefits of modern farming.
Gradually, small victories were achieved. New irrigation techniques began to increase productivity. Ali worked alongside the villagers in the fields, demonstrating the new methods firsthand. But this was just the beginning. He had bigger projects in mind to revitalize the local economy, and together with Mehmet, he was determined to take new steps forward.
Chapter 3: Overcoming Resistance
Ali's agricultural reforms sparked not only curiosity but also suspicion among the villagers. He had to prove that modern techniques would work. To do this, he designated a small piece of land as a test field. With Mehmet's help, he started applying new planting techniques there.
In the first few days, villagers gathered to watch what he was doing. Some scoffed, while others admired his persistence. But Ali remained unwavering. He revamped the irrigation system, used higher-yield seeds, and developed natural methods to combat pests.
When the first harvest came, the villagers were astonished. The crops in Ali's field were more abundant and healthier than those grown using traditional methods. Word spread quickly. Many villagers decided to try Ali's techniques in their own fields.
This small victory gave Ali confidence. But his ambitions were much greater. He wanted to develop local trade and market agricultural products to generate more income. Along with Mehmet, he proposed the idea of forming an agricultural cooperative. Through this cooperative, villagers could sell their produce at better prices and create a larger market.
However, Ali's initiative did not sit well with everyone. Some powerful landowners in the region, who wanted the traditional system to remain intact, began looking for ways to undermine Ali's influence in the village. But Ali had no intention of backing down in the face of resistance. For him, this was only the beginning. He was determined to spread the Republic's innovations to every corner of Anatolia.