The drought has started, the occupancy rate in the dams is at a critical level! Agricultural yield is falling!
Latest data from the country came from many different points of many dams and ponds. How Turkey appeared to be impacted by the 2020 drought? Official data shows that Turkey is faced with the risk of severe drought. While rainfall compared to last year fell 53 percent, Turkey began to experience yield loss in dry farmlands.
Drought is the inevitable consequence of global climate change. General Directorate of Meteorology’s latest map shows that Turkey is faced with severe drought risk. Compared to last year, precipitation fell 53 percent. Meteorological drought is causing yield loss in dry farming areas in Turkey. In the coming months, there is a risk of hydrological drought due to the decrease in the flow rate in groundwater and rivers. Turkey has a need of emergency measures for agricultural drought.
WHAT IS THE RISK OF DROUGHT?
In the meantime the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared a Drought Action Plan, but social awareness is also required for water conservation. What needs to be done?
THE SUITABLE PRODUCT MUST BE SELECTED…
Efficient use of water resources in agricultural activities, selection of agricultural product patterns suitable for the amount and abundance of water should be made. In Turkey, 74 percent of water used in irrigation of agriculture. Surface irrigation method, which causes highly water waste, is still preferred throughout Turkey. What is required is drip irrigation systems, which are used only 1 percent, should be expanded rapidly.
NETWORK WATER SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PARKS…
In order to prevent the expected water shortage in cities with the fastest water consumption, it is necessary to prevent the use of mains water in parks and gardens in the first place.
WARNING TO THE FARMERS…
It is of great importance for the farmer to have drought insurance so that they are not affected by drought. Action on water conservation should be started across the country. Water conservation awareness should be reinforced with publications and trainings. It is essential that the producers who are farming in small plots will be affected by the drought in the least way by going to land merger.