Triple Damage Strikes Garden in Field: Breaking News
Duygu Erdogan / Istanbul – In various regions of Türkiye, which woke up with heavy snowfall on the morning of April 11th, high cold rates were reached. This sudden cold snap coincided with the blooming period of various fruit breeds in the spring, causing frost damage to the products. Prior to the frost, farmers were already struggling with drought, diseases, and pests.
Different regions of Türkiye also experienced high meteorological drought. In the Black Sea region, which usually has a relatively regular meteorological structure, there is a significant infestation of brown smelling pests. This pest poses a threat to hazelnut plants as it dries them out completely and spreads rapidly.
The sudden cold spell and snowy conditions on April 10-12 caused extensive damage to cultivated areas. Various fruits such as apricots, apples, walnuts, grapes, cherries, peaches, plums, and almonds were affected, along with crops like sugar beets, canola, and potatoes. Damage has been reported in over 40 provinces, and the frost is expected to continue for several more nights.
Agricultural writer Ali Ekber Yildirim stated that the frost damage is likely to lead to price increases for many products, affecting food inflation. Türkiye’s traditional export products such as hazelnuts, apricots, and raisins are also expected to be negatively impacted. The high temperatures experienced in March are considered one of the main reasons for this crisis.
Requests to declare the affected provinces as “disaster zones” have been forwarded to the authorities. The Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially applied for Malatya to be recognized as a “General Life Effective Disaster Zone”.
Due to severe drought conditions, limited water release for irrigation purposes is expected as many dams across the country are facing water shortages. While some regions have received April rainfall to compensate for the droughts, damage in the fields, especially cereals, remains a concern.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı reassured the public that there is no risk of a food supply shortage, especially in strategic agricultural products like cereals, legumes, and oilseeds. He urged farmers to ensure they have agricultural insurance and register for the Farmer Registration System to protect their agricultural production.
Overall, Türkiye is facing a challenging period with adverse weather conditions impacting agriculture, but proactive measures are being taken to mitigate the effects and ensure food security for the population.
