The Troublesome Rise of Meriç River Concerns Worried Farmers
Meriç River Runs at Lowest Level in 5 Years, Farmers Concerned
The Meriç River in Edirne, Turkey, which is a crucial water source for irrigating agricultural lands, has reached its lowest level in the last five years due to a decrease in seasonal precipitation. This has caused concern among farmers who depend on the river for irrigation.
The scorching weather and lack of rainfall in the region have led to a significant drop in the water level of the Meriç River. With temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius, the river’s flow has decreased from 158 cubic meters/second last year to 54 cubic meters/second this year.
According to Bilhan Dalkılıç, the Edirne Representative of the Chamber of Meteorology Engineers, this year’s temperatures have exceeded the average by 5 degrees, resulting in a heatwave. The heatwave, along with the increase in migration from rural areas to urban centers, has caused a phenomenon known as “urban heat island,” where temperatures in cities are higher than in surrounding rural areas. Dalkılıç explained that the asphalt and concrete in cities absorb and release heat, making it difficult for people to sleep comfortably, especially during warm summer nights.
The heatwave has also affected the rivers in the region, including the Meriç River. However, the management of upstream water storage activities, which impact the river’s flow, is not under the control of local authorities. This poses difficulties in planning and managing water resources, especially during periods of low precipitation.
Farmers, who heavily rely on water from the Meriç River for irrigation, are facing the consequences of this situation. Yavuz Sekirden, a local farmer, mentioned that the wells they use to irrigate their fields have dried up, and they are unable to draw water from them. This has forced them to consider digging deeper wells at an additional cost.
Bilhan Dalkılıç emphasized the importance of understanding the value of water and making planned planting decisions to adapt to the changing climate conditions. He stated that water shortages are a risk, and farmers need to anticipate such situations and take measures accordingly.
The decreasing water flow in the Meriç River and the overall drought situation in Edirne could have severe economic impacts on the region. The rise in production costs and the inability to irrigate fields properly may lead to difficulties for farmers and affect the agricultural sector in the area.
It is crucial for authorities and farmers to work together to find sustainable solutions and mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources and agriculture in Edirne.
