Türkiye’s grain outlook improves as snow, rainfall return to seasonal norms

Increased snowfall and rainfall across Türkiye have surpassed last season’s levels and returned to seasonal averages, raising hopes for record wheat production if favorable conditions persist into spring, according to the National Grain Council (UHK). Yasar Serpi, President of the Ankara-based UHK, told Anadolu that climate risks severely impacted the 2024–2025 grain season, with irregular rainfall causing a 12.3% overall loss and reducing wheat output by 13.7% to 17.9 million tons.

Shift in Crop Patterns and Climate Adaptation

Serpi noted that climate variability has become a structural factor in Turkish agriculture, prompting farmers in drought-prone regions to shift toward more resilient crops like wheat and barley. Wheat planting increased by 10–15% in some areas this season. While no major supply disruptions occurred last year, Serpi emphasized that support models for climate‑compatible farming are now central to production planning.

Cautious Optimism for Coming Harvest

Although nationwide crop conditions are currently positive, Serpi warned that temperatures in April and May will be decisive. “The timing of the rainfall is more important than the amount, so it is possible to have a cautious but optimistic outlook at this point,” he said. The UHK will hold an event in April focusing on climate risks, supply security, and sustainable production, with discussions on water management, efficiency, new crop varieties, and market stability.