Turkey Advances Turnaçayırı Dam Irrigation Project in Erzincan

The Turnaçayırı Dam irrigation project in Erzincan aims to bring modern irrigation to 149,000 decares of agricultural land. As of the latest update, construction of the first phase—covering 98,000 decares—has reached 52 % completion, with pipe networks and concrete structures being installed. The State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) General Director Mehmet Akif Balta said the first phase is slated for completion by the end of 2029, after which the second phase will extend irrigation to an additional 51,000 decares.

When fully operational, the system is expected to generate about 1.862 billion Turkish lira in extra annual income for local producers, improve water‑use efficiency, lower irrigation costs, boost yields and enable cultivation of higher‑value crops. The project is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and is projected to strengthen Erzincan’s agricultural output and regional economy.