New Irrigation Tariffs in Turkey for 2024: What Farmers Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2024, the Turkish government’s new irrigation operation and maintenance tariffs will come into effect, as per the President’s Decision published in the Official Gazette. These changes aim to address the financial sustainability of water resources management while supporting efficient irrigation practices.
- Overview of the New Tariff Structure:
The new tariff structure introduces fees ranging from 43 Turkish Lira (TRY) to 1858 TRY per decare (0.1 hectare) depending on the crop type and greenhouse operations. Additionally, the cost of 1000 cubic meters of water will vary between 43 TRY and 690 TRY. These fees reflect a broad categorization covering 30 different plant varieties and greenhouse uses.
- Discount Provisions:
Several discount provisions have been introduced to ease the financial burden on farmers:
- Successive Crops Discount: If a new crop is planted on the same plot within the same year after the harvest of the previous crop, a 20% discount on operation and maintenance fees will be applied, provided the previous crop was irrigated.
- Pump Usage Discount: Farmers who consistently irrigate their crops using their own pumps (including sprinkler and drip irrigation) will benefit from a 50% discount on operation and maintenance fees. This initiative encourages the use of efficient irrigation systems, which can significantly reduce water consumption and operational costs.
- Financial Impact on Farmers:
The new tariffs are expected to have varied impacts on farmers depending on the types of crops they cultivate and their irrigation methods. For example:
- High-Value Crops: Farmers growing high-value crops like greenhouse vegetables might see higher fees, reflecting the intensive water usage required for these crops. However, the discounts for efficient irrigation practices can help mitigate these costs.
- Field Crops: Those growing field crops with lower water requirements will benefit from lower tariffs, supporting broader agricultural sustainability goals.
- Promoting Efficient Water Use:
These changes align with Turkey’s broader strategy to promote efficient water use in agriculture, a crucial step given the country’s periodic droughts and water scarcity issues. By incentivizing the use of personal pump systems and offering discounts for successive planting, the government aims to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.
The 2024 irrigation tariff updates in Turkey represent a significant shift towards more sustainable water management in agriculture. While some farmers might face increased costs, the introduction of discounts for efficient irrigation practices offers a pathway to mitigate these expenses. As farmers adapt to these changes, the focus on water conservation and sustainability will be crucial for the long-term viability of Turkish agriculture.
