Dairy farmers in Turkey switch to drought-resistant sorghum due to ongoing water shortage crisis
Izmir, one of Turkey's most productive dairy regions, is currently grappling with its worst water crisis in years. The prolonged drought has forced farmers to adapt, with a significant shift towards sorghum cultivation.
The water crisis has left dam levels across western Türkiye at alarmingly low levels. Some reservoirs are holding less than 1% of their capacity, a stark contrast to usual levels. This scarcity has affected both the winter and summer seasons, with the rainfall in the first eight months of this year dropping 27% compared to the previous year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Turkey has responded by providing a 75% seed subsidy to encourage the transition to sorghum cultivation. This drought-resistant crop is more efficient in water usage, requiring significantly less water than corn silage while providing equivalent nutritional value for dairy production.
Sahin, a representative, has emphasised the need for farmers to prevent wasteful water use entirely. He stated that the agricultural crisis in Izmir parallels the severe water shortages affecting the coastline.
Dairy farmer Zafer Yurt in Menemen district's Hasanlar neighborhood is among those who have made the switch. Yurt planted sorghum on 45 acres and reported that it is equivalent to corn in both milk and meat production.
The number of sorghum growers in Izmir has surged from 28 in 2020 to 337 this year, a testament to the crop's resilience in water-scarce conditions. Most large farmers in Izmir have chosen sorghum for its water-saving properties, with the cultivation area expanding from 451 acres to 6,000 acres.
The organization offering the subsidy in Izmir for the transition from corn to sorghum to reduce water usage in agriculture is the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality.
However, the water shortage has had far-reaching effects. Popular resort destinations like Cesme now enforce 10-hour daily water cuts. Traditional corn irrigation requires seven to eight watering cycles, while sorghum produces similar yields with just two or three irrigations. Furthermore, nearly all farmers in Izmir have adopted modern irrigation systems to prevent wasteful water use.
A UN Report predicts that Turkey is at risk of severe drought by 2030, making the shift towards sorghum cultivation a crucial step in preparing for future water scarcity. As Izmir continues to face this crisis, the agricultural community is adapting, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
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