Çukurova farmers face production crisis, deputy warns

CHP Adana Deputy Dr. Müzeyyen Şevkin has submitted a parliamentary inquiry motion to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to investigate the economic losses facing farmers in the Çukurova region. The motion calls for an examination of rising input costs, uncertain product prices, marketing and storage deficiencies, high irrigation and energy expenses, and climate-related risks.

Şevkin highlighted that while Çukurova is a vital agricultural hub for crops such as cotton, corn, wheat, citrus, and various vegetables, producers are struggling under heavy economic pressure. She noted that costs for diesel, fertilizer, pesticides, seeds, electricity, labor, and transport are increasing, while product prices are not rising at a commensurate rate.

Furthermore, the lack of adequate storage and cold storage infrastructure forces many farmers to sell their harvests immediately, weakening their ability to determine fair prices. Şevkin warned that these structural issues, including unplanned production and import policies, could lead to farmers abandoning production, thereby risking the region's agricultural future and national food security.