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Climate Change Induced Crisis in Western Mediterranean Agriculture

The agricultural sector, dealing with the impacts of climate change, is making production preparations under tough conditions. Farmers are trying to adapt to rapidly changing climate conditions as they plant new seeds, prepare their greenhouses, and get ready for winter. According to the drought map published by the General Directorate of Meteorology for the 2024 agricultural season, the western coast of Antalya, along with Muğla, Denizli, and Afyon, are marked as "extremely dry" areas. Isparta, Burdur, and central Antalya fall under "moderate and slightly dry" regions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has accelerated efforts in water efficiency and flood management in the Western Mediterranean. Nazif Alp, President of the Antalya Chamber of Agriculture, noted a 40% decrease in rainfall in agricultural basins in the Mediterranean region compared to last year, stressing that this has severely impacted agricultural production. YIELDS FALLING, FARMERS STRUGGLING Alp pointed out that significant losses have occurred in agricultural production in 2024 due to drought, with the effects of climate change felt more intensely each year. Yield losses during harvest season can lead farmers to struggle financially, even causing some to stop planting. Alp emphasized, "Now is the time for planting in agricultural areas. Greenhouses are being prepared, and summer conditions are being managed. Support for farmers to carry out planting, irrigation, and spraying is essential. If farmers don’t plant, life stops." WINTER PLANTING DELAYED Due to drought, many producers in and around Antalya had to delay winter planting. Alp explained, "Producers are trying to operate under long dry spells and intense rains. Being in the Mediterranean basin, our country is among those most affected by climate change. Our farmers are finding it challenging to adapt to these changes and variations." He added that because rainfall doesn’t occur in expected seasons but instead exceeds norms in other seasons, farmers struggle to protect their crops. AUTUMN RAINS INSUFFICIENT Alp stated that autumn rains have decreased significantly in recent years, and temperatures have been above normal. Since 2019, rainfall in September, October, and November has been below expected levels, causing the soil to dry faster. This trend continued into 2024, with Alp noting, "We no longer see autumn rains as we used to." DROUGHT-RESISTANT SEEDS ARE ESSENTIAL Alp stressed that farmers need to shift to more productive seed varieties to cope with climate change, saying, "Drought-resistant seed varieties should be developed. Pressurized irrigation systems should be expanded, and irrigation costs should be reduced. New loans for farmers should be interest-free." He added that Antalya is a vital region where agricultural production occurs year-round, playing a significant role in meeting the country’s food needs.

The provincial drought crisis center convened

The meeting held at the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry was attended by representatives of the institutions forming the provincial committee, as well as district and branch managers. During the meeting where experts from the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as the Meteorology and State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), made presentations, the status of water resources in the province of Muğla, efforts and recommendations regarding drought, and meteorological data were discussed. Speaking at the meeting, the Director of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Barış Saylak, provided information about projects and studies related to the planning of sustainable agricultural water use. Saylak reminded that within the scope of the 'Support for Rural Development Economic Investments' Project, the Ministry provides a 50% grant support for modern irrigation, individual irrigation, and rainwater harvesting to producers, emphasizing that everyone should be sensitive about water. Barış Saylak stated that agricultural production planning should be centered around water and that this is a national stance. He said, 'This is a historic responsibility for all of us. Today, we must deliver green and blue, which are our greatest wealth, to our children. We evaluate the water needs of plants during the production stage and provide information to our producers. We explain the importance of water-centered production planning in agriculture.' In his speech, Muğla Deputy Governor İsmail Soykan emphasized the importance of even a drop of water and a handful of soil, stating that everyone's duty to ensure the correct and effective management of water resources serves both the present and the future. Soykan wished the meeting to be beneficial for Muğla and our country.

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."

First rain, then snow: Farmers are happy

After the rains following the driest period in recent years in Edirne, the snowfall brought hope to farmers and vital moisture to the fields. The effective snowfall that occurred after the long drought in Edirne, one of Turkey's leading agricultural cities, was like 'vital water' for the farmers who planted their crops in the dry soil. After the rain that started in the early morning in Hamzabeyli, a village connected to the Lalapaşa district of Edirne and bordering Bulgaria, joy prevailed in the region. The prolonged drought in the region gave way to rainfall. Farmers, who were worried about Edirne receiving below-normal precipitation due to the dry season, began to smile with the recent rains. The producers who took a sigh of relief hope that the precipitation will continue for a while. The snow, nourishing the soil, came like medicine after a dry period. Recep Apaydın, one of the residents of Hamzabeyli Village, said, 'We planted our crops, hopefully, they will be fruitful. We are very happy about the snow, which is something that the villagers really wanted.' "It's priceless" Alettin Köse, another resident of Hamzabeyli village, said, 'It's like the farmers' wedding feast. This year we planted the wheat for drying. The rain was also scarce. Now, the snowfall over the crops that are about to emerge is a cover. It will protect from the winter and give moisture to the soil. It's like gold for the farmer.' Süleyman Güre stated that the snow, which was effective after the seed planting, came at the right time, and they were happy. Azim Civan, engaged in farming in Hamzabeyli Village, expressed their joy and stated that they had been waiting for snowfall for a long time, emphasizing that the snowfall after the effective rain in recent days is very fruitful.

#Drought

Climate Change Induced Crisis in Western Mediterranean Agriculture

The provincial drought crisis center convened

Drought Concerns in Agriculture: Production Could Decrease by 60%

First rain, then snow: Farmers are happy