Climate Change Hits Turkey’s Citrus Farmers Hard

TDT | Adana

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Farmers in Turkey’s southern Adana region are struggling after a year of devastating weather that has severely damaged citrus crops.

Citrus farmer Aleaddin Cogal, 42, described the series of disasters that destroyed nearly 40 percent of his lemon harvest.

“First, frost wiped out many blossoms. Then, a hailstorm hit while the fruits were still small. After that, the heatwave came, and the sun literally boiled the fruit,” Cogal said, pointing to lemons split open or scarred with brown blisters from the extreme August heat.

Workers said the scorching weather was unlike anything they had seen before. Kemal Siga, who was in the groves when temperatures peaked, said, “It felt like there was a wildfire. It ruined the trees.”

Experts warn that climate change is placing growing pressure on Turkey’s farmers. The Cukurova valley, which includes Adana, produces around 40 percent of Turkey’s citrus fruits and plays a vital role in the nation’s food supply.

“Cukurova is one of Turkey’s most important farming regions, but climate change is now threatening its future,” said Mehmet Akin Dogan, head of the Yuregir Chamber of Agriculture. “We have seen frosts and heatwaves stronger than ever before.”

Like many Mediterranean countries, Turkey is experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, leaving rural communities on the front line of global warming.