Severe frost damages crops across 36 Turkish provinces

Between April 9 and 13, Turkey witnessed an agricultural event characterized by one of the most severe frost occurrences in recent history, affecting 36 provinces. This resulted in substantial damage to agricultural production, valued at approximately 21 billion Turkish lira (about $1.14 billion). According to Bekir Engürülü, a TARSİM Board Member and General Manager of the Agricultural Insurance Pool Management Company, 1.11 billion lira (approximately $60 million) has been paid out so far, with the remaining 20 billion lira (around $1.08 billion) still being processed.

The Parliamentary Research Commission was convened on May 28 to investigate the repercussions of this frost event. The committee focused on evaluating the damages experienced by producers and determining necessary measures to mitigate the impact of future occurrences. Key figures such as Kamil Özdemir, Head of Agricultural Insurance and Natural Disasters from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Engürülü of TARSİM, and Mevlüt Gümüş, Deputy Chair of the Technical Services Board for the Union of Chambers of Agriculture, presented insights to members of parliament. Commission Head Adem Korkmaz of the ruling AKP announced upcoming field inspections in regions including Malatya, Adıyaman, Maraş, Adana, Mersin, Niğde, and Kayseri. These inspections aim to produce a preliminary report based on direct observations.

Following the frost episode, coordinated efforts from the ministry and TARSİM established a schedule for systematic damage assessments, anticipated to be completed soon. Özdemir highlighted ongoing efforts by expert teams to minimize yield losses and support producers through informed strategies. Comprehensive assessments across provincial and district offices are expected to pave the way for compensating the affected producers.

Preliminary data from Bekir Engürülü indicates that grapes suffered the heaviest damage, with losses reaching 11 billion lira (approximately $598 million). Apricots, hazelnuts, apples, nectarines, and peaches also sustained considerable losses, with respective damages calculated in billions and millions of lira. Preliminary evaluations pinpoint Manisa, Malatya, Ordu, Giresun, and Mersin among the top provinces hit hardest by the frost. Engürülü addressed criticisms concerning TARSİM’s high insurance premiums by pointing out that farmers often insure only high-risk areas, skewing the balance between claims and premiums.

Mevlüt Gümüş observed severe frost impact in areas such as the Black Sea hazelnut regions and Çukurova apricot farms, further illuminating the widespread nature of this frost event. Preliminary TARSİM data underscores the extensive damages, emphasizing the economic burden, particularly in provinces like Manisa and Malatya.

Source: bianet