As Türkiye has experienced water stress, if necessary precautions are not taken, the country might become water poor by 2030, stated Agriculture and Forestry Minister Vahit Kirişçi.
The water problem is a critical issue for Türkiye as well as for other countries in the world, Kirişçi underlined at the introductory meeting of the “Türkiye Agricultural Drought Combat Strategy and Action Plan,” which includes the period 2023-2027.
Reminding that Türkiye is located in a semi-arid location in the Mediterranean region, Kirişçi pointed out that the country uses 58 billion cubic meters of 112 billion cubic meters of water.
“We use 75-76 percent of these 58 billion cubic meters for agricultural irrigation, 11-12 percent for drinking and 10 percent for industrial purposes,” he explained.
Expressing that the country is experiencing water stress though it is not considered as water poor country for now, Kirişçi pointed out that the main reasons behind this problem are the rate of increase in the population and water usage habits.
“Considering the population and the industrialization process, even if we are in the category of countries under water stress with 1,323 liters [per capita] for today, it will decrease to 750 liters in 2030, so we will become a water poor country,” Kirişçi explained.
As Türkiye has experienced water stress, if necessary precautions are not taken, the country might become water poor by 2030, stated Agriculture and Forestry Minister Vahit Kirişçi.
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A very big problem
