Livestock farmers in Yüksekova face water scarcity in pastures

Livestock farmers in the Gedikli hamlet of Bağdaş village, located approximately 30 kilometers from Yüksekova, are facing significant challenges due to a lack of water sources in their summer pastures. To prevent their small livestock from dehydration during hot weather, herders must walk their flocks approximately 3 kilometers down to the village every day.

In addition to watering the animals at the village fountain, farmers are also forced to perform milk milking in the village rather than on the pastures. Local resident Şerife Ayhan stated that this has been a persistent issue for 30 years. She noted that while neighboring villages have water ponds in their pastures allowing for easier management, her community must bring the animals to the village entrance, which is physically exhausting for both the herders and the animals.

The farmers are calling on authorities to construct a water pond in the pasture area to ensure the sustainability of livestock farming in the region and to allow for more efficient animal care and milking on-site.