Increased Rainfall Creates High Cereal Yield Expectations
· Google Haberler
Water year rainfall, reaching its highest level in 66 years across Turkey, and a 72.6% dam occupancy rate have eliminated agricultural drought risk, boosting cereal yield expectations.
Rainfall at a 66-Year Peak
According to a bulletin prepared by the General Directorate of Agricultural Reform of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, an average of 18.4 millimeters of rainfall was recorded across Turkey in July. Ministry data shows that July rainfall increased by 18% compared to seasonal norms and by 92% compared to the same period last year. Rainfall recorded in the 2026 water year, spanning 10 months from October 1, 2025, to July 31, reached its highest level in the last 66 years, exceeding norms by 30% and last year's levels by 76%. Temperatures were 0.3 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 period norms.
Irrigation Dams and Moisture Status
The occupancy rate of irrigation dams across the country rose to 72.6% as of July 1, creating a strong picture in terms of water reserves. This significant increase in rainfall has initiated a period of high moisture in the fields, with increased soil moisture positively supporting plant development. Thanks to rainfall exceeding seasonal norms, the risk of agricultural drought has been completely eliminated across Turkey. However, ministry officials reported that the risk of localized plant diseases that may arise due to excessive rainfall in some regions is being closely monitored.
High Yield Expectations for Cereals
The high soil moisture levels have ensured healthy development for all field crops, especially cereals, in the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, and Southeastern Anatolia regions. While harvesting has been completed in some areas due to climatic conditions, it has reached its final stages in others. If the current positive meteorological outlook continues, yields and harvest quantities for cereals and other agricultural products in the 2025-2026 production season are expected to comfortably meet expectations, leading to a balanced and high-yield season.