In Turkey, the agricultural sector is currently navigating through challenging times due to climate change, with a notable lack of investment in water infrastructure and inefficient water management practices. The Cukurova plains, a key agricultural area, are experiencing a critical water shortage, prompting the Seyhan Left Bank Irrigation Association to issue a directive to halt autumn planting in the region, citing a lack of sufficient water supply for crop irrigation.

The Seyhan Left Bank Irrigation Union's communication, dated July 24, 2024, advised against the sowing of autumn crops because of the limited water reserves, indicating that as of July 12, 2024, the Seyhan Dam held 357.31 hm3 of usable water. This volume is deemed adequate only for the irrigation of perennial crops, including citrus fruits, and various orchards and saplings, thereby excluding seasonal crops like corn and cotton, which are predominant in the area and have higher water demands.

The union's warning was disseminated to 102 villages across Ceyhan, Yuregir, Saricam, and Karatas. Local farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the cultivation of these crops, have voiced their concerns over the potential impacts on their agricultural output and income. The situation underscores the broader issue of water scarcity affecting Turkey's agricultural industry, with similar challenges reported in other regions of the country.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com