Karacabey tomato producers face major yield losses from pesticide runoff

Tomato producers in the Karacabey district of Bursa are facing significant yield losses due to pesticide residues in irrigation water. The issue stems from agricultural runoff from rice fields in the Manyas and Gönen regions mixing with the water supplied from Manyas Lake.

Local farmers and the Karacabey Chamber of Agriculture report that the contaminated water causes developmental issues in tomatoes, such as leaf curling. Yield differences between areas using contaminated irrigation water and those using artesian water can reach as much as 5 to 7 tons per decare.

To address the crisis, officials and producers are calling for government intervention to separate rice field drainage from general irrigation channels. Proposed solutions include diverting rice field runoff away from streams or providing direct clean water from the Manyas Dam to protect tomato crops.