The Konya Basin, which is accepted as the cereal warehouse of Türkiye, is under the “danger of desertification” due to false agricultural practices, wild irrigation and drought due to climate change. 2 percent of Türkiye’s above -used water source, 17 percent of the underground water source in the Konya Closed Basin, although the amount of underground water used throughout the country is withdrawn from the ‘Konya Closed Basin’. This leads to a crater -shaped obruk problem. So much so that the number of obructs formed in the basin exceeds 2 thousand 500, despite all the warnings of 250 to 300 meters from the north and central parts of the underground water continues to withdraw.
10 thousand wells opened
Konya Plain has been one of the most affected by drought due to the reduction of rainfall since 2020. So much so that it is one of the most important sources that provide water to the city center The water level in APA Dam fell below 10 percent, the critical threshold. The water level in Lake Beyşehir has reached the lowest point of the last 20 years. There are also great drawings in groundwater; Nearly 10 thousand new water wells have been opened in the plain in the last 5 years and these wells triggered uncontrolled consumption.
Yield decreased by 35 percent
In the Konya basin, the loss of yield in basic agricultural products such as wheat, barley and sugar beet is at a worrying level. In 2019, approximately 2.5 million tons of wheat was produced in Konya, while this figure fell to 1.8 million tons as of 2023. A 35 percent decrease in barley production was recorded, while many farmers became unable to make the second planting due to the reduction of irrigation opportunities. Karapınar, Cihanbeyli and Ereğli were the most affected by drought.
Will be exhausted in 10 years
It was stated that the groundwater was pulled down 5 meters further in Karapınar. Burak Kılınç, President of the Konya Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, said, “Due to drought and unconscious water use, the agricultural production in the Konya Plain declined every year, In 10-15 years, he says that underground water reserves will be exhausted to a large extent. As of 2025, Konya Commodity Exchange officials warn that larger losses in agricultural production will be reflected directly on food prices.
Water restriction
Both experts and farmers stated that measures should be implemented urgently in order to overcome the water crisis in Konya; Konya Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (KOSKİ) In the face of the critical situation, it has introduced water restrictions throughout the city. KOSKI General Manager Ibrahim Demir, published in the circular published last day, park, garden, field irrigation and cleaning for purposes such as the prohibition of use.
It comes out of 150 meters
Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture Faculty Member. Dr. Mithat Direk is one of the experts who say that the drought gives a red alarm. “Our warnings have not been taken into consideration for years,” he said. Dr. Direct, the following warnings listed “Konya and Karapınar, especially how to use water efficiently, we can get high yields with limited irrigation methods with the scientific world we need to deal with new projects. The number of obructs is increasing. In the past, while water from 70 meters, we can hardly remove the water from 150 meters. Karapınar has a total of 1 million 300 thousand decares of agricultural land. One million decares of juicy, 300 thousand decares in the area of dry rainfall production is made. “
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