UN: Loss of more than 20 percent in food production after earthquakes in Turkey

In a written statement from the Rome-based FAO, it was indicated that studies continue to determine the agricultural damage caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, their long-term effects and activities that can help rural areas. to maintain the production of basic foods.

“Destructive earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023,” the statement said. Initial assessments of the impact of the earthquakes in Turkey show severe damage to agricultural infrastructure, crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture in the affected areas. expressions were used.

The FAO statement said: “The earthquake severely hit Turkey’s 11 leading agricultural provinces, affecting 15.7 million people and more than 20 percent of the country’s food production. Known as Turkey’s ‘fertile crescent’, the earthquake-affected region accounts for 15 percent of the agricultural gross national product and contributes 20 percent of Turkey’s agri-food exports. the evaluation was done.

In the statement, it was noted that in the cities most affected by the earthquake, a third of the population lives in rural areas and lives from agriculture, and financial difficulties, as well as the interruption of supply chains, make families rural areas cannot meet their basic needs for agricultural production.

“Initial assessments point to significant impacts to agriculture, with preliminary estimates of $5.1 billion in losses and $1.3 billion in damage to the industry,” the statement said. statement was included.

“WE REQUEST 112 MILLION DOLLARS”

It was also emphasized that the earthquake disaster also hit important livestock regions in addition to the agricultural sector, causing animal loss and injury, while shelter and feed shortages, disrupted vaccine production, foot-and-mouth disease risks were claimed. oral disease and worsening conditions for cattle raised concerns.

It was also noted that fish production was in jeopardy with the loss of 34 fish farms, three fishermen’s refuges and important fish species.

The statement included the following:

“FAO is urgently requesting US$112 million to provide immediate and long-term support to families and communities affected by the earthquake in Turkey. This includes $25 million under the UN Turkey Support Appeal, issued in February, to rapidly provide cash, livestock and agricultural support for 900,000 rural residents. (AA)