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Press release…
Mutlu Doğru, Head of Adana Farmers’ Association, drew attention to the problems caused by water losses and wrong irrigation methods in the agricultural sector.
Stating that 75 percent of the fresh water resources used in agriculture are distributed through open canals and canalettes, Doğru emphasised that about half of the water is lost due to evaporation and infrastructure deficiencies before reaching the field.
‘25 PERCENT OF THE WATER LEAVING THE DAM REACHES THE CROPS’
Mutlu Doğru said that only less than half of the water that reaches the fields with the flood irrigation method can be used by the plants and made the following striking statement: “Only 25 percent of the water coming out of our dams benefits the plants with the flood irrigation method. The rest goes to the sea through drainages. Moreover, in this process, we lose the most fertile part of the soil through erosion and cause salinisation.”
MODERN IRRIGATION METHODS ARE ENCOURAGED BUT…
Pointing out that pressurised irrigation systems are encouraged by the state with low-interest loans and that these modern methods play an important role in water saving, Doğru said, “However, these systems increase energy costs and the solution is to prioritise closed pressurised irrigation projects, which are common in modern agricultural practices.”
‘CLOSED PRESSURISED SYSTEM: ESSENTIAL FOR WATER, SOIL AND ENERGY CONSERVATION’
Indicating that old irrigation projects with open canals and canalettes caused both expropriation and soil loss, Doğru added, “Closed pressurised irrigation systems eliminate these problems. Closed system is the most effective way to protect our land, water and energy for future generations. Therefore, these projects should be prioritised in investments.”
BUDGET EXPECTED FOR CLOSED SYSTEM PROJECT IN ADANA…
Drawing attention to the closed pressurised irrigation system designed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Adana province, Doğru noted, “We expect this project to be implemented in 2025 with a budget allocation. We all know that this system will both save water and enhance productivity in agriculture.”
‘WE MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS’
“Transition to a closed pressurised system to protect our soils, water and energy is of vital importance not only for our farmers but also for future generations. We expect our state and all stakeholders to take the necessary steps in this regard,” Doğru concluded…
