Farmers are concerned about grain yield in Izmir, which is experiencing a drought

Precipitation in Turkey was below normal and last year in hydrological year 2023, which covers the period from October 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.

The Aegean Region, which has a normal rainfall of 297.2 millimeters and received 300.6 millimeters of precipitation in hydrological year 2022, received 206.1 millimeters of precipitation in hydrological year 2023.

Izmir, the major Aegean city for agricultural production, spent February with below-average rainfall for many years.

Low rainfall in the city negatively reflects on the water level in drinking water and irrigation dams, and also worries farmers about yields.

WHEAT sprouts are left on the grass

İbrahim Erdallı, Chairman of the Coordination Board of Izmir Chambers of Agriculture, said that the drought in the region, which has fertile soils where 4 crops can be harvested per year, has a negative impact on agricultural production.

Explaining that it rained only 3 times in winter to affect the crops, Erdallı reminded that they postponed grain planting for about 1 month, especially in arid lands, due to drought in autumn.

Erdallı noted that the late-sown wheat found cold and dry weather after sprouting, and said:

“The drought affected not only wheat but all crops. The legume was completely watered. Winter vegetables are still watered. Wheat is also in a position that it will not be without irrigation. The farmer could not fertilize or do any other maintenance. Wheat is currently in the ‘bring in’ period. The length of the wheat was kept at 5 centimeters. Normally, this season in our region, the wheat should be at least 25-30 centimeters. In other words, we used to say ‘approaching our knee’ among people. In other words, if we were to walk in the wheat, our legs would get wet. Since it was 5 centimeters away, it remained as grass. If it doesn’t rain like this, our farmers, who have the opportunity to irrigate, can save a little if they irrigate their land, but they can’t grow crops on irrigated land.”

Erdallı stated that even if it rains, the wheat yield is already affected, saying:

AT LEAST 30 PERCENT LOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY

“If the rains are positive, I don’t think we can achieve the yields we had last year. Last year we went up to 800 kilos in 1 decaro. We had friends who would buy a ton, but now it can go down to 600 kilos in the best places because of this drought. So I don’t think we’ll get the tonnages that we bought last year. If everything goes normally, like 20-30 percent, there is a loss of yield in the wheat.”

Stating that those who have the opportunity to irrigate the arid lands planted with wheat in İzmir, Erdallı said, “If it doesn’t rain, all our farmers should switch to irrigation within 1 week and 10 days.” he used his statements.

Emphasizing that irrigation dams and groundwater are also negatively affected by the drought, Erdallı said:

“Our friends in the Gediz region, Bakırçay say that there is no water in the dams. Last year they gave water to the cotton once because there was no water in the dams. Maybe a part could be saved, but this year, if there is no water in the dams, they will not be able to plant summer crops. Apart from that, the problems will begin in the corn, melon and watermelon that will be planted in the summer. How will it appear when there is no water in the dams? The drought affects not only this year, but also the next few years.” (AA)