Drought Concerns in Agriculture: Production Could Decrease by 60%

Hacı Çetindağ, the President of the Sivas Chamber of Agriculture, expressed concerns as the winter season in Sivas approaches its end without the expected snow and rain, leading to worries among grain producers. Çetindağ mentioned that if the next three months also pass without rainfall, production could decrease by 60%. He emphasized that drought is expected to continue worsening, necessitating measures for the future.

"We must prepare"

Çetindağ stressed the need for preparation against the anticipated risks of drought, stating, "Sivas is one of the provinces most affected by climate change. We are currently in the middle of February, experiencing spring weather. Trees have already budded. We will see in the coming days whether this will be a problem or not. Last year, these days were also dry, but worries dissipated later due to the snowfall and abundant rain. The climate has changed, and accordingly, we must prepare ourselves with all our dynamics."

"Resilient seeds against drought should be selected"

Çetindağ drew attention to drought-resistant seeds, saying, "If the expected snow and rain do not come, if this drought continues, and if our underground and surface water sources dry up, we could face significant problems. We hope to receive sufficient rainfall in March, April, and May. However, there is currently no rain in Sivas, which has extensive agriculture at high altitudes and makes a significant contribution to our country's agricultural sector. We are warning our farmers to be prepared for this. Resilient seeds against drought must be selected. Climate change warns us, and we must be prepared for it."

"A scientific board on drought should be established"

Çetindağ called for the establishment of a scientific board on drought, stating, "It may not be possible to return to the past. All scientists agree that the effects of global warming will continue to increase. In line with the recommendations of our scientists, we need to be prepared for the expected changes in collaboration with our Ministry of Agriculture. We are lagging behind in this preparation. Just as a scientific board was established during the pandemic, a scientific board on drought should also be established. We need to raise awareness among our farmers about the impending drought to avoid major difficulties."

"There could be a 60% decline"

Çetindağ mentioned that if the expected rainfall does not occur, there could be a 60% decline in production, saying, "If the expected rainfall does not come, there could be a 60% decrease in grain production. Compared to last year, there was a 50% increase in October this year. If the drought continues, the losses would be very significant. If the expected rainfall does come, we could break production records."