Drought in Turkey is posing serious threat to the country’s agricultural sector. Turkey harvested 22.1 metric tons of wheat in 2013 making it one of Europe’s largest wheat producers. Between October 1, 2013 and January 2, 2014 rainfall in the country was 31.4% below normal and 42% below the rainfall for the same period of time the year before. As of mid-January the water volume in the country’s dams was at 35% compared to 64% at the same point in 2013. In some regions the effects are becoming severe. In Çukrova which produces 10% of the country’s wheat, half the crop, or 2 million tons of wheat could be lost if there is no significant rainfall in February. The drought is also already having economic effects upon the country. The country’s consumer price index registered its biggest increase in 26 months in January increasing by 1.72% on higher costs of food due to adverse weather, taxes, and the depreciation of the lira.
To receive relevant news stories with summaries provided by GAI Research & Insight, subscribe to Global AgDevelopments, our free bi-weekly enhanced eNews service