Farmers in Türkiye are facing a challenging season as spring frosts, prolonged drought, and extreme summer heat have caused widespread damage to crops, prompting calls for government assistance.
Şemsi Bayraktar, president of the Union of Turkish Chambers of Agriculture (TZOB), said the April frost disaster affected producers in 65 provinces. Visiting hazelnut orchards impacted by drought in the Karasu district of Sakarya, he noted that "another danger, an even greater disaster is coming: Drought. The spring rains never came. June and July were the hottest months in recent years."
Bayraktar pointed to declining yields, saying the agricultural ministry has forecast a hazelnut harvest of 449,000 tons, but he expects the actual figure to be much lower. He advised producers not to rush sales, adding that prices must rise to cover increased production, input, and labour costs. He also called for frost-related aid to be extended to drought-affected farmers, along with cash assistance and the restructuring of bank and Agricultural Credit Cooperative loans.
In citrus production, industry estimates suggest yield declines of 30–50% in oranges and mandarins, depending on the region, with lemon production also expected to drop. Prices, already high before harvest, are forecast to remain elevated through winter.
In the southern Çukurova region, a major citrus-growing area, low rainfall has left reservoirs at critically low levels. High summer temperatures have scorched ripening fruit, reducing both yield and quality.
Source: Daily News