Deteriorating climate leads to decreased wheat production due to altered precipitation patterns

In recent months, Turkey has faced a series of challenges in its agricultural sector, with erratic rainfall and frost events causing significant yield losses, particularly in the provinces of Adana and Hatay.

According to Özkan Taşpınar, the president of the National Grain Council, these issues are a direct result of climate change, which is causing disruptions in rainfall patterns across the country. He emphasized the strain that these events place on water resources, and advocated for a shift from open irrigation systems to closed and pressurized methods to reduce water loss.

The agricultural frost in February, followed by below-normal rainfall in March and April, led to yield losses estimated at 35-40 percent in Adana and Hatay. This has contributed to a decrease in overall wheat production in Turkey, with yields estimated to have decreased by 6.75 percent. The country's wheat production is now expected to reach around 18.65 million tons, down from the long-term average of 20 million tons.

Despite these losses, officials expect that this decline in wheat production will not negatively affect consumer prices, as the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) holds sufficient reserves to prevent any potential price increases.

However, the outlook for fruit growers is less optimistic. Hüseyin Demirtaş, president of the Turkish Agriculturalists Association, warned of a difficult season, with summer fruit prices expected to be at least double compared to last year.

In a positive development, areas in Aksaray, Kırşehir, and Nevşehir showed signs of recovery after early April frosts. Meanwhile, the Aegean and Mediterranean regions have recorded their highest precipitation levels in the past two decades.

International and regional organizations, including the European Union, have advocated for switching from open irrigation systems to closed and pressurized methods to reduce water loss associated with disturbed precipitation patterns in Turkey.

In conclusion, Turkey's agricultural sector is facing challenges due to climate change, with erratic rainfall and frost events causing significant yield losses. However, with the right strategies and interventions, it is possible to mitigate these impacts and ensure the continued production of essential crops.

Deteriorating climate leads to decreased wheat production due to altered precipitation patterns