THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
Related Articles
Fevzi Çondur Emphasizes “Climate-Smart Agriculture”…
In his speech at the workshop “Water Resources and Management in the Büyük Menderes Basin, Agricultural Production and Product Safety in the Greater Menderes Basin,” Aydın Commodity Exchange Chairman and National Cotton Council Chairman Fevzi Çondur emphasized the importance of shifting to climate-smart agriculture rather than combating climate change.
Aydın province is a Driving Force and Strategic Centre of Turkish Agriculture…
The first session of the workshop addressed “Water Resources and Management in the Greater Menderes Basin.”
The second session, chaired by Adnan Menderes University (ADÜ) Faculty of Agriculture Dean Professor Dr. Mustafa Sürmen, addressed “Agricultural Production and Product Safety in the Greater Menderes Basin.”
In his presentation titled “The Effects of Drought and Climate Change on Aydın’s Agriculture,” Fevzi Çondur, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aydın Commodity Exchange, stated that the agricultural sector forms the foundation of our province’s economic life, with 55 percent of the population earning their living from agriculture. “The Greater Menderes Basin has been known as the ‘fertile plain of the Aegean’ for centuries. Thanks to its fertile soil and favorable climate, Aydın is the driving force of Turkish agriculture and a strategic centre,” Çondur said.
Emphasis on Climate-Adaptive Agriculture…
Highlighting that drought has become a permanent risk, Fevzi Çondur also shared his proposed solutions. Pointing out that the importance of shifting to climate-adapted agriculture rather than combating climate change, he explained, “I believe it is very important to transition to sprinkler or drip irrigation methods in on-field (surface) irrigation systems. Farmers should be provided with training and support to prevent uncontrolled irrigation.”
“Increasing water harvesting and storage capacity in dams and reservoirs is of great importance. The establishment of digital measurement and control systems in irrigation cooperatives is also essential for effective water management. A much hotter and drier climate awaits us in Türkiye in the future. Therefore, we must focus on alternative crops that require less water and plan crop patterns appropriate for regional climate risks,” he noted.
“We must strengthen the soil’s water-holding capacity and expand erosion control and land reclamation projects. Early warning systems for agricultural frost, floods, and heavy rainfall should be activated, the scope of Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSİM) should be expanded and farmers should be educated about risk management,” he added…
