Edirne rice harvest begins following two years of drought

Rice harvesting has commenced in Edirne, Turkey, following two years of extreme heat and drought. Unlike previous seasons where water scarcity forced farmers to use rotational irrigation, timely rainfall this year has raised water levels in rivers and dams, providing relief to producers.

Hüseyin Arabacı, President of the Edirne Chamber of Agriculture, reported that approximately 500,000 decares were planted this season, accounting for about 43% of Turkey’s total rice cultivation area. While average yields are still being finalized, initial reports indicate positive results, with yields ranging from 800 to 850 kilograms, and some varieties approaching 1 ton per decare.

Despite the improved growing conditions, producers are facing economic uncertainty. Farmers are awaiting official purchase prices from the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) and the Ministry. With production costs having risen by over 30% compared to last year, producers suggest that a price range of 48–50 lira for large-grain Baldo rice is necessary to prevent financial losses.