Recently, drought has increasingly caused problems for Turkey. And this one in 2025 was one of the worst in decades - the average rainfall in the country fell to its lowest level in a period of 52 years, with the regions along the Black and Mediterranean Seas most affected.
The drought hit agriculture hard. According to the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, crops have been ruined in many regions. The cold has further worsened the situation, with up to 70 percent of the plants affected in some types of fruit. The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reported that about 30 percent less fruit and 12 percent less grain were harvested.
Climatologist Ezgi Kovançı of Adıyaman University described the situation as a "multi-layered crisis that directly affects daily life, livelihoods and cities". Falling water levels in dams, decreasing groundwater and sudden frosts are making production increasingly vulnerable. "When there is no rain, farmers reduce their herds. Drought affects the table, livestock and household budgets at the same time," Kovançı explained.
Red meat production has decreased, as has milk production. Falling yields, rising feed prices and limited arable land are all putting pressure on producers and consumers.
Explosion of costs and inflation
Prices have risen significantly. According to the statistical office, the cost of some agricultural inputs has doubled in recent years. Food and soft drinks have also become more expensive, with prices rising by almost 40 percent in 2025 alone.
Journalist Ali Ekber Yıldırım says the crisis is not just due to climate conditions - incorrect agricultural policies, ineffective subsidies and a lack of support for farmers have further worsened the situation.
"Turkey is not only experiencing a drought - the problems are being exacerbated by the combination of climate risks and economic challenges exacerbated by politics," explains Yıldırım.
A new wave of migration?
The drought demonstrates the interconnectedness between climate change, the economy and society: rising production costs, declining purchasing power and poor rainfall are making Turkish agriculture increasingly vulnerable. Experts say the chain reaction of falling yields, rising costs and persistent inflation could trigger a deep food crisis in some parts of the country.
As a result, many people in rural areas could be forced to leave their homes and move to cities, says climatologist Kovançi. And this migration will exacerbate existing problems.
While fires and floods get immediate attention, drought has a quiet but long-term impact: it threatens harvests, incomes, prices and food security. "Drought is not as spectacular as fires, and it is not as sudden as floods. That is why it is so dangerous," warns Kovançi.
Exports to the EU are not large - except for hazelnuts
For the EU, Turkey is not a major supplier of agricultural products. In 2024, Turkey accounted for around 4.3 percent of the Community's total agricultural imports - mainly fruit, nuts and processed vegetable and fruit products.
These supplies complement European supply, but are not crucial for supplying Europeans. The exception is hazelnuts: Turkey produces around two-thirds of all hazelnuts in the world and is the most important supplier to the EU market.