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July 2, 2001
FAS analysts traveled through central Turkey during the
last week of June. These analysts traveled through central Anatolia (Konya),
southeastern Anatolia
(Sanliurfa), Adana, and Antakay
regions (refer to Figure 1) from June 20-28, 2001. The USDA analysts found that wheat production in most regions within the country will
probably be slightly lower than last year, due to less than favorable weather, and poor availability of high-quality wheat
seed for most of the country. FAS
travelers expect Turkey’s wheat production for 2001/02 to be down by 10-15 percent from last year’s crop. Currently, USDA estimates
the 2001/02 wheat production for Turkey at 16 million metric tons, down by
nearly 10 percent from last year’s 17.5 MMT crop.
Turkey’s reduced wheat production is attributed to dry and
warm weather during the winter and spring months in central Anatolia,
the region that accounts for nearly 40 percent of production.
Lack of rainfall within central Anatolia has caused wheat crop failures
in some the marginal crop areas of the region.
Wheat harvesting started this week in central Anatolia.
Most of the harvest should be completed by early August.
Wheat production in this area will be down
by about 30 percent. The low wheat production in Central Anatolia also will reduce the
availability of high-quality wheat within Turkey.
Other regions in the country also report wheat
harvests slightly below last year. The exception is in southeast Anatolia, where
production increased due to good rainfall this year, low pest infestation, and a
below- normal harvest from last year.
Figure 1. Route of Crop Tour Conducted from June 20-28, 2001.
In the Adana region, wheat production is expected to be lower than last year due to reduced area and lower yields largely caused by poor seed quality. In the Antakay region, wheat production also will be lower due to crop damage caused by floods along the Asi River in early May this year. The exception is in the southeastern Anatolia region, where most of the harvest was completed and the crop was found to be good to excellent due to adequate rainfall and low pest infestations.
For more information, contact Curt Reynolds with the
Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division
on (202) 690-0134 or by e-mail at
reynoldsc@fas.usda.gov
