In Adana, one of Turkey's hottest provinces, nighttime temperatures have dropped to minus 5 degrees Celsius over the last four days. This cold weather has caused significant damage to early-season potato fields, particularly in the Yüreğir, Çukurova, Sarıçam, and Seyhan districts.
A 70 percent yield loss occurred in potato production. Frost and north-easterly winds have had negative effects on many agricultural products, including potatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, and watermelons.
'FARMERS TOOK PRECAUTIONS BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH'
Yüreğir Chamber of Agriculture President Mehmet Akın Doğan stated, "A 4-day agricultural frost event occurred, covering Mersin and Hatay as well as Adana. During this process, potatoes that were to be harvested in 40 days were damaged. The potatoes expected to be harvested at the beginning of April have withered. Additionally, peaches, apricots, watermelons, onions, tomatoes, and citrus products were also affected. The entire plain practically froze. Because the cold duration was long, we could not save the products. Our farmers tried to take precautions by lighting fires, running underground irrigation systems, or using wind machines, but this was not enough," he said.
'WE HAVE SERIOUS LOSSES'
Potato producer Selman Demir said, "I planted potatoes on 160 decares of land, but due to the agricultural frost, all my products withered and were damaged. Usually, frost in Adana would last for one day, but this time it continued for four days. We have major losses," he said.
News Source: 12punto
