Turkey Aims to Increase Irrigated Agricultural Land to 7.4 Million Hectares

November 1, 2026 · AA Yeşil Hat

As part of the infrastructure drive within the scope of the Presidential 2027 Program, the goal is to bring the irrigable agricultural lands across Turkey to 7.4 million hectares.

New Target for Irrigable Lands

According to the data from the Presidential Annual Program for 2027, comprehensive investments are being implemented to protect agricultural lands and efficiently utilize resources. While aiming to make the best use of limited water resources in food production, it is projected that the total irrigation area will reach 7 million 34 thousand hectares with the opening of 65,779 hectares to irrigation this year. Next year, it is planned to bring an additional 61,159 hectares of land to water. As a result of these efforts, the aim is to increase the total size of agricultural land suitable for irrigation across Turkey to 7.4 million hectares.

Land Consolidation and Survey Studies

According to the data in the Presidential program, significant progress has been made in land consolidation efforts aimed at preventing the fragmentation of agricultural lands. The size of the area where land consolidation is completed is expected to reach 9.9 million hectares by the end of this year, and the area for which registration procedures have been completed is expected to reach 8.2 million hectares. New land consolidation will be initiated in 180,000 hectares next year, and the registration of 603,000 hectares will be completed. Furthermore, in addition to the detailed soil surveys completed in 755,000 hectares in 2024, it is planned to add 2.4 million hectares by the end of 2026, with the remaining portions to be completed by 2028.

Storage Capacity and Dam Investments

Infrastructure steps for water storage against drought risk continue without slowing down. According to official data, as of the end of last year, 1831 storage facilities with a total volume of 183,819 hectometers were in service. With the commissioning of 21 dams and 10 ponds targeted for completion this year, the total water storage capacity is estimated to increase to 184,085 hectometers. These facilities, supported by basin-based planning, play a critical role in ensuring that cultivated areas receive irrigation water regularly and uninterruptedly.

Renovation of Old Irrigation Networks

According to State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) data, 31% of existing irrigation networks consist of classical canals, 31% of channel systems, and 38% of closed pipe systems. To reduce water transmission losses, open transmission lines are being converted into modern pipe networks. Last year, the renovation of 92,100 hectares of gross irrigation area was completed, and work is ongoing in 247,000 hectares. It is planned to complete renovation construction in an additional 19,000 hectares this year and 16,000 hectares next year, increasing the proportion of pipe systems.

Water Saving and Metering Applications

Quantity-based pricing models are being implemented to prevent excessive and uncontrolled water consumption in agriculture. According to records in the annual program, meters have been installed in 457 irrigation facilities as of the end of last year, and meters will be installed in 100 additional facilities this year. Within the scope of efficient water management, it is aimed to bring treated wastewater into agricultural irrigation through recovery units. In addition, research and development projects to popularize the use of rainwater harvesting methods in agricultural areas will continue to be expanded and implemented.

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