See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/326551914

IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION IN AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY

Conference Paper · July 2018

CITATIONS READS

0 2,173

4 authors:

Zeki Bayramoğlu Süheyla Ağızan

Selcuk University Selcuk University
149 PUBLICATIONS   331 CITATIONS    18 PUBLICATIONS   3 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Merve Bozdemir Kemalettin Ağızan

Selcuk University Selcuk University
32 PUBLICATIONS   8 CITATIONS    31 PUBLICATIONS   7 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

The effect of agricultural support on the economic sustainability of agricultural enterprise View project

TARIM İŞLETMELERİ TİPOLOJİSİNE GÖRE MEVSİMLİK İŞGÜCÜ ETKİNLİĞİNİN BELİRLENMESİ: KONYA İLİ ÖRNEĞİ View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Süheyla Ağızan on 23 July 2018.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Index
0000.PrefaceWATER.pdf
001-004.Analysis of the feasibility of the use as fertilizers, of leachates from a
mechanical biological treatment plant for municipal solid waste(J. Cardoso et
al).pdf
005-006.Cleaning Waters Contaminated With Heavy Metals Using New Type
Submersible Device(R.Romanov et al).pdf
007-017.Importance Of Irrigation In Agricultural Sustainability(Z. Bayramoglu
et al).pdf
018-022.New sustainable and automated system for the reuse of water and salt in
the textile industry ECUVal project(C.G.Bouzán et al).pdf
023-024.Nitrification process in treatment of leached sludge by a sequential
batch biological reactor – SBBR(A.Chavez et al).pdf
025-031.Optimization of flocculation coagulation for the recovery of microalgae
from a high-yield algal channel(M.Bamaarouf et al).pdf
032-033.Removal of the ammonia nitrogen by ion-exchanged natural
zeolite(G.J.Hwang et al).pdf
034-039.Respirometric study of Optical Brighteners in textile
wastewater(H.Salas et al).pdf
040-046.Syntesis of WO3 nanostructures anodized in dynamic conditions and
doped with nitrogen for use in environmental applications(M.J. Muñoz et al).pdf
047-051.Two Novel uses of Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Wastewater
Management(M.B.Borup et al).pdf
 IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION IN AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
Z. Bayramoğlu (1), S. Ağızan (2), M. Bozdemir (3), K. Ağızan (4)
(1)
Selcuk University Agricultural Faculty, Department of Agricultural Economics, Konya,
zbayramoglu@selcuk.edu.tr
(2)(3)(4)
Selcuk University Agricultural Faculty, Department of Agricultural Economics, Konya.

ABSTRACT
The agricultural sector has strategic priorities in terms of nutrition. Increasing demand for food
because of population growth in the world increases the need for agricultural products and obligates the
sustainability of agricultural enterprises, the agricultural sector. Agricultural sustainability; economic,
technical, central, legal and social. Each of these sub-components is important for the success and
sustainability of the agricultural sector. Although economic sustainability has been accepted as part of
overall sustainability in the literature, technical sustainability is important at the core of economic
success. Agricultural production practices, amounts and combinations of inputs used, production
technology used and production technique applications can be defined as components of technical
sustainability. The fact that the amount of input used in production is above the optimal use has an
adverse effect on environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. The fact that the amount of
input used is lower than the optimal usage will cause resources to be inadequate, low yield and low
income. Factors such as soil structure, climatic factors, and water supply that affect the production
success limit agricultural production. Water, one of the agricultural inputs, has an indispensable
prescription for agricultural production. Because agricultural products are, biological structures and all
biological materials require water. Irrigated farming is important in terms of meeting human needs as it
increases productivity, and dry farming is important for environmental, technical and economic
sustainability.
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture is an important industry in the world since it feeds the population, contributes to
national income and employment, creates raw materials and capital for other sectors, directly and
indirectly impacts on exports, biodiversity and ecological balance. It is known that world population
exceeded 7 billion in 2018 and it is estimated to reach 9.15 billion by 2050 (Zaman et al., 2017). These
figures on population highlight the role of increase in agricultural productivity in the increase of the
world population. To feed the potential population, it is necessary to ensure agricultural productivity
and agricultural sustainability.
In countries such as Turkey where the presence of cultivable lands has reached its maximum
limit, fulfilling the needs of the population depends on the production quantity from a unit area, in other
words, productivity. The components of productivity are fertilizer, pesticide, quality seed, land
reclamation, land consolidation, technology use and irrigation. The most important factor limiting plant
growth in arid and semi-arid regions is the lack of useful water in the root region of plants. Since Turkey
is located in the arid and semi-arid climates, irrigation is more important compared to other input factors.
This is because irrigation increases the efficiency of other inputs (fertilizer, pesticide, etc.) and it also
directly affects the increase in yield. With irrigation, the water needs of the plants are fully met, the yield
is increased, saline soils are being improved, soil processing is facilitated, fertilizing-spraying is
performed, and plants and crops are protected from frost damage.
17% of the world's agricultural land is irrigated and 40% of the world's agricultural production
is obtained from irrigated agriculture (FAO, 2002). Total cultivable land in Turkey is about 28 million
hectares. Although 12.5 million hectares of land are irrigable, only 8.5 million hectares of land can be
irrigated economically and technically with existing water potential. 6.35 million hectares of land is
being irrigated in Turkey, and the work is still ongoing for 2.15 million hectares of land (DSİ, (State
Hydraulic Works), 2016a). According to 2016 data, 68.6% of total agricultural land consists of non-
irrigated land and 31.4% of irrigated land.
Table 1 show per hectare yields of some products grown in Turkey in dry-irrigated conditions
and it is seen that yield is higher in irrigated conditions. In 2012, the products with highest yield increases
7
in irrigated vs. dry conditions were dry beans (101.4%) and durum wheat (73.9%), while the yield
increase in 2017 were calculated as 115.6% for dry beans and 98.5% for durum wheat. In addition, the
increase in barley (malt) and dry chickpea in 2017 is around 80-90%.
Table 1. Dry-Wet Conditions Yield Per Hectare of Cultivated Some Products in Turkey (kg / da)
(2012-2017)
Products 2012 2017
Dry Wet Dry Wet
Durum Wheat 205 407 253 440
Wheat, Except Durum Wheat 232 380 238 408
Barley (Malt) 281 407 262 505
Barley (Other) 244 334 274 427
Oat 233 298 215 304
Triticale 313 431 322 405
Beans, Dry 109 235 138 278
Chickpeas, Dry 124 185 117 212
Red Lentil, Dry 188 234 148 156
Green Lentils, Dry 122 161 129 163
Canola or Rapeseed Seed 371 405 357 459
Safflower Seed 123 200 179 226
Source: TÜİK (2018a)
The production model implemented in Turkey has developed with the agricultural industry. This
production model brings forward the concept of sustainable agriculture because of the adoption of
production processes in agricultural policies that operate in an integrated manner with industry.
According to this model, the farmer that maintains the natural structure of the soil, performs planned
irrigation, fertilizing and spraying, and uses technology achieves highest yields in unit area. Thanks to
sustainable agriculture, global market shares can be increased in agriculture-based industries and in the
food industry.
Sustainable agriculture includes systems and practices that promote the production of adequate
and high quality food at affordable costs, the protection of agricultural land, the environment and natural
farming resources (GTHB, 2015). Types of sustainable agriculture include: urban agriculture,
community-supported agriculture, good agriculture, organic agriculture, sensitive agriculture,
traditional agriculture, industrial agriculture and biodynamic agriculture.
Table 2. Key Indicators of Sustainable Agriculture
Indicators Setters
Producer's Long- The income generated by producers is long-running
term Revenue Increasing the marketing power of producers and developing foreign trade
Ensuring efficient production of resources
Natural Resources Food Quality and Safety
Soil Condition
Product variety
Water resources
Environment Chemical waste
Salinity in the water
Impact of Agriculture on Natural Resources
Administrative Dissemination of training activities for the implementation of sustainable
Features agriculture practices
Socio-Economic Provision of a human-oriented development in agriculture and
Impacts development of labor training
Source: McTainsh (1998)

8
 The main goal of water management is sustainable water use, where even a single drop of water
is used efficiently without being wasted while protecting the natural balance of the environment. In order
to achieve sustainability in irrigation, excessive water use should be prevented, effective use of water
should be ensured, water quality should be improved and maintained, water quality should be monitored
and evaluated, and guidelines for the management of water for different climate scenarios for irrigation
related companies and organizations should be established (Evsahibioğlu et al., 2010).
EXPERIMENTAL
Regarding the aim of our study, quantitative methods were used in the analysis of the data
obtained by using secondary data. The data used within the scope of the study were obtained from the
annual activity results and reports of institutions and organizations (FAO, TURKSTAT, DSİ, etc.)
operating in the agricultural sector. In addition, scientific studies related to irrigation and sustainability
were examined, and this study was prepared in order to contribute to the literature. Within the context
of this study, the structural characteristics and irrigation potential of the agricultural sector in Turkey
was also examined and irrigated and dry agricultural production potential was identified. The results are
thought to be important for the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In addition, for being an indispensable natural resource for life on earth, water is very significant
in terms of ensuring sustainable growth and development and having competitive advantage. Moreover,
effective management of water resources enhances quality of life and prosperity. The inadequacy of
natural resources and their use by more than one country, and the fact that there are no alternatives that
can replace the resource, increases the strategic importance of that natural resource. Despite these
positive developments, the increase in agricultural and industrial production due to the growth in world
population increase the pressure on natural resources. Environmental pollution and global climate
change causes depredation of natural resources and negatively affects effective use of resources as their
quality and quantity decline.
Water is used for irrigation, transportation, industry, drinking, fishing, urbanism, hydropower
generation, etc. This natural resource widely used is mostly seen in agricultural sector, industrial sector
and domestic purposes. The wide usage area of water extents its importance every day.
According to Table 3, it is seen that the highest water usage in the world and in Turkey is in the
agricultural sector. 69.9% of the total water used in the world and 73.8% of the total water used in
Turkey is consumed by the agricultural sector.
Table 3. Breakdown of Water Use Sectors in the World and Turkey (2014)
Shares in the world
World Turkey
Turkey
Thousand m3 / Thousand
% % %
year m3 / year
Agriculture Sector 2.785.991.718 69,9 31.003.380 73,8 1,1
The industry sector 741.336.852 18,6 4.495.070 10,7 0,6
Domestic Use 458.353430 11,5 6.511.550 15,5 1,4
Total 3.985.682.000 100 42.010.000 100 1,05
Source: Worldbank (2017)
The increase in demand for agriculture products along with the increase in world population has
increased the importance and use of irrigation. In countries where cultivable lands reached the maximum
limits, increase in agricultural production can only be achieved by increasing the yield. In agricultural
production, yield increase can be obtained by irrigation.
Irrigated farming plays a critical role in world food production, making a major contribution to
maintaining food safety. As of 2011, total area of irrigated farming is 306 million hectares worldwide
(Engindeniz et al.). Irrigated farming contributes approximately 55% of world food production (FAO,
2017).

9
 Table 4 shows the ratio of irrigated land in the world according to crop groups, and the ratio of
water used in cereal production is determined as 61.18% globally. In the world, cereal production is
ranked 1 in irrigated agriculture among all crop groups. In addition, when income levels of countries are
examined, the share of cereal production in irrigated agriculture is 74.86% in low-income countries and
38.41% in high-income countries. It is seen that 21.08% of water is used for feed crop production in
these countries. This leads to the fact that products with higher added value are produced in higher
income countries.
Table 4. Ratio of Amount of Land Acquired According to Product Groups in Total Populated
Land in the World
CEREALS ROOTSVEGETABLES FRUITS PULSES SUGAR OIL BEVERAG FIBER FODDER OTHERS IRRIGATED
CROPS CROPS E CROPS & CROPS
CROPS PASTURES

Africa 43.35 2.83 12.42 9.61 2.54 5.18 4.45 0.46 4.65 13.94 0.58 100.00
Northern Africa 40.77 2.75 13.15 11.12 2.43 3.43 5.77 0.00 3.50 16.72 0.37 100.00
Sub-Saharan Africa 47.25 2.94 11.31 7.32 2.72 7.82 2.45 1.15 6.38 9.75 0.90 100.00
Central Africa 47.26 2.24 27.87 9.29 1.96 8.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.83 100.00
Eastern Africa 42.58 6.79 23.63 6.35 1.13 4.87 0.78 2.74 10.68 0.00 0.45 100.00
Gulf of Guinea 27.22 7.69 45.31 5.81 0.00 11.28 0.27 0.00 2.15 0.00 0.27 100.00
Indian Ocean 96.42 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 3.32 0.01 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.04 100.00
SouthernIslands
Africa 23.47 2.46 7.48 15.98 7.06 11.08 3.22 1.97 4.97 20.16 2.18 100.00
Sudano-Sahelian 51.82 2.62 9.30 0.94 0.00 7.19 4.90 0.29 12.58 10.36 0.01 100.00
Americas 36.88 1.77 6.61 10.35 2.69 8.33 9.92 0.98 3.92 18.00 0.51 100.00
Northern America 39.37 1.71 6.82 9.10 1.74 2.27 12.36 0.00 4.63 21.93 0.06 100.00
Central America and 37.13 0.72 5.45 15.52 3.87 31.98 0.09 2.70 0.41 1.05 1.08 100.00
Caribbean
Central America 29.51 0.56 3.51 18.76 2.94 37.89 0.00 4.97 0.68 1.17 0.00 100.00
Caribbean: 46.03 0.90 7.73 11.74 4.96 25.06 0.20 0.03 0.10 0.90 2.35 100.00
Greater
Southern and
America 31.02 2.01 6.24 12.75 4.80 20.07 5.22 3.11 2.62 10.56 1.53 100.00
Lesser Antilles
Andean 31.89 5.25 6.15 13.64 2.27 14.17 0.76 3.90 3.21 15.35 3.41 100.00
Brazil 32.03 0.43 2.85 4.01 5.93 32.00 11.71 4.92 3.88 1.03 1.20 100.00
Guyana 73.61 0.00 1.66 1.66 0.00 18.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00
Southern 26.04 1.41 11.45 25.08 5.82 8.58 0.39 0.00 0.45 20.40 0.36 100.00
Asia America 68.16 1.15 5.32 4.00 2.08 2.74 6.99 0.21 4.44 4.09 0.82 100.00
Middle East 44.01 2.95 8.94 12.58 2.38 2.76 8.29 0.95 5.82 9.66 1.67 100.00
Near East 38.90 2.91 11.95 9.78 3.66 4.28 8.49 0.03 11.80 7.24 0.96 100.00
Arabian 39.30 1.59 9.16 15.68 1.31 0.00 9.81 5.78 0.84 16.07 0.47 100.00
Peninsula
Caucasus 52.35 5.85 6.54 10.82 0.27 0.19 1.33 0.40 4.62 10.51 7.13 100.00
Iran (Islamic 48.25 2.74 6.55 14.78 1.86 2.52 9.10 0.75 1.67 10.22 1.56 100.00
Republic
Central Asia of) 49.87 2.09 4.58 5.69 0.48 0.36 1.13 0.00 23.17 11.31 1.30 100.00
Southern and Eastern 71.04 0.95 5.05 3.20 2.12 2.85 7.14 0.15 3.48 3.29 0.73 100.00
Asia East Asia 68.57 0.79 9.54 3.51 0.30 0.75 12.18 0.00 2.43 1.54 0.40 100.00
South Asia 68.29 0.94 1.92 2.81 4.47 5.35 3.57 0.04 5.59 6.19 0.82 100.00
Mainland 81.83 1.39 0.85 6.10 1.12 2.23 2.62 1.64 0.86 0.00 1.36 100.00
Southeast Asia
Maritime 90.30 1.48 1.90 0.23 0.00 0.97 3.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.41 100.00
Southeast
Europe Asia 30.99 5.22 8.54 15.74 2.63 3.23 9.15 0.11 1.42 22.51 0.46 100.00
Western and Central 36.44 3.86 9.20 18.92 2.05 3.19 12.33 0.15 1.98 11.24 0.64 100.00
Europe
Western Europe 45.76 10.12 11.48 10.24 3.71 4.56 2.99 0.00 0.00 11.14 0.00 100.00
Central Europe 20.90 6.97 16.98 17.40 3.65 3.97 13.36 0.02 0.27 14.90 1.60 100.00
Mediterranean 34.96 1.53 8.31 22.34 1.23 2.27 15.28 0.21 2.75 10.34 0.80 100.00
Northern Europe
Europe 33.76 11.09 3.86 1.33 7.10 13.06 4.60 0.00 0.00 25.20 0.00 100.00
Eastern Europe and 17.16 8.68 6.85 7.66 4.09 3.34 1.09 0.00 0.00 51.14 0.00 100.00
Russian
EasternFederation
Europe 16.09 8.38 10.22 10.50 6.89 3.02 5.81 0.00 0.00 39.10 0.01 100.00
Russian 17.41 8.75 6.06 7.00 3.44 3.41 0.00 0.00 0.00 53.94 0.00 100.00
Federation
Oceania 13.54 0.00 5.59 14.49 0.00 9.05 2.55 0.69 6.52 47.56 0.00 100.00
Australia and New 13.54 0.00 5.59 14.49 0.00 9.05 2.55 0.69 6.52 47.56 0.00 100.00
Zealand
Pacific Islands - - - - - - - - - - - -
WORLD 61.18 1.46 5.92 5.62 2.18 3.61 7.32 0.31 4.27 7.36 0.75 100.00
High income 38.41 2.28 7.85 10.06 1.01 2.27 12.30 0.08 4.47 21.08 0.16 100.00
Middlecountries
income 63.69 1.24 5.73 5.17 2.32 3.94 6.87 0.33 4.33 5.66 0.72 100.00
Lowcountries
income 74.86 2.93 4.41 2.37 2.78 1.79 2.91 0.53 2.89 1.93 2.60 100.00
Lowcountries
Income 70.98 1.30 3.30 3.03 3.26 4.13 3.40 0.19 4.37 5.17 0.87 100.00
LeastFood Deficit
Developed 75.92 2.24 4.60 2.27 2.50 2.21 2.56 1.22 2.42 1.53 2.53 100.00
Countries
Countries (LDC)
Source: FAO
(LIFDC) (2017)
Table 5 shows the distribution of agricultural land according to groups of countries where
irrigated farming is performed in the world. According to Table 5, group of countries with the high rate
of irrigation is the Asian continent including Turkey as well. Asia constitutes 78.15% of irrigated

10
farming in the world. This is due to the fact that agricultural production activities are widespread in
developing countries. In addition, 87.06% of the cereals, 81.34% of the fiber plants and 74.31% of the
pulses produced by irrigated agriculture are produced in Asia.
Table 5. Distribution of Wet Farming Product Groups by Country Groups
CEREALS ROOTS VEGETABLES FRUITS PULSES SUGAR OIL BEVERAGE FIBER FODDER OTHERS IRRIGATED
CROPS CROPS CROPS CROPS & CROPS
PASTURE
S
Africa 2.96 8.06 8.75 7.14 4.86 5.97 2.54 6.07 4.54 7.91 3.22 4.17
Northern Africa 1.67 4.72 5.58 4.98 2.79 2.38 1.98 0.00 2.06 5.71 1.23 2.51
Sub-Saharan Africa 1.28 3.34 3.17 2.16 2.07 3.59 0.56 6.07 2.48 2.20 1.99 1.66
Central Africa 0.01 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.02
Eastern Africa 0.15 1.03 0.89 0.25 0.11 0.30 0.02 1.94 0.56 0.00 0.13 0.22
Gulf of Guinea 0.05 0.56 0.82 0.11 0.00 0.34 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.04 0.11
Indian Ocean Islands 0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.32
Southern Africa 0.23 1.01 0.76 1.71 1.94 1.84 0.26 3.77 0.70 1.64 1.73 0.60
Sudano-Sahelian 0.34 0.71 0.62 0.07 0.00 0.79 0.26 0.37 1.17 0.56 0.00 0.40
Americas 7.64 15.32 14.15 23.36 15.64 29.22 17.19 39.76 11.65 31.03 8.66 12.68
Northern America 5.55 10.09 9.92 13.96 6.88 5.42 14.56 0.00 9.35 25.70 0.67 8.62
Central America and Caribbean 0.23 0.19 0.35 1.06 0.68 3.38 0.00 3.29 0.04 0.05 0.55 0.38
Central America 0.10 0.08 0.12 0.69 0.28 2.16 0.00 3.27 0.03 0.03 0.00 0.21
Caribbean: Greater and 0.13 0.11 0.23 0.37 0.40 1.22 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.55 0.18
Lesser Antilles
Southern America 1.86 5.04 3.88 8.35 8.09 20.42 2.62 36.47 2.26 5.28 7.45 3.68
Andean 0.51 3.55 1.03 2.40 1.03 3.87 0.10 12.30 0.74 2.06 4.48 0.99
Brazil 0.81 0.45 0.74 1.10 4.18 13.62 2.46 24.18 1.40 0.22 2.45 1.54
Guyana 0.08 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07
Southern America 0.46 1.04 2.09 4.83 2.88 2.57 0.06 0.00 0.12 3.00 0.52 1.08
Asia 87.06 61.21 70.23 55.65 74.30 59.25 74.63 51.19 81.34 43.45 85.47 78.15
Middle East 4.23 11.84 8.87 13.15 6.40 4.49 6.65 17.80 8.01 7.72 13.05 5.88
Near East 1.47 4.59 4.66 4.02 3.87 2.74 2.68 0.25 6.39 2.27 2.93 2.31
Arabian Peninsula 0.38 0.64 0.92 1.66 0.35 0.00 0.80 10.95 0.12 1.30 0.37 0.59
Caucasus 0.42 1.95 0.54 0.94 0.06 0.03 0.09 0.62 0.53 0.70 4.62 0.49
Iran (Islamic Republic of) 1.96 4.65 2.75 6.53 2.11 1.73 3.09 5.97 0.97 3.45 5.13 2.48
Central Asia 2.55 4.47 2.42 3.17 0.69 0.31 0.48 0.00 16.97 4.81 5.39 3.13
Southern and Eastern Asia 80.29 44.90 58.95 39.33 67.20 54.44 67.49 33.40 56.36 30.92 67.02 69.15
East Asia 32.75 15.69 47.05 18.25 4.02 6.04 48.65 0.00 16.62 6.12 15.64 29.22
South Asia 32.88 18.97 9.55 14.72 60.27 43.62 14.38 3.69 38.60 24.80 32.21 29.46
Mainland Southeast Asia 7.59 5.40 0.81 6.16 2.91 3.51 2.03 29.71 1.14 0.00 10.23 5.67
Maritime Southeast Asia 7.07 4.85 1.54 0.20 0.00 1.28 2.43 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.94 4.79
Europe 2.19 15.41 6.23 12.10 5.20 3.86 5.40 1.47 1.44 13.22 2.66 4.32
Western and Central Europe 1.85 8.18 4.81 10.44 2.91 2.74 5.22 1.47 1.44 4.74 2.65 3.10
Western Europe 0.47 4.34 1.22 1.14 1.07 0.79 0.26 0.00 0.00 0.95 0.00 0.63
Central Europe 0.05 0.69 0.42 0.45 0.24 0.16 0.27 0.01 0.01 0.30 0.31 0.15
Mediterranean Europe 1.27 2.32 3.11 8.82 1.25 1.39 4.63 1.46 1.43 3.12 2.34
Northern Europe 0.06 0.82 0.07 0.03 0.35 0.39 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.37 0.00 0.11
Eastern Europe and Russian 0.34 7.24 1.41 1.66 2.29 1.13 0.18 0.00 0.00 8.49 0.00 1.22
Federation Eastern Europe 0.06 1.32 0.40 0.43 0.73 0.19 0.18 0.00 0.00 1.22 0.00 0.23
Russian Federation 0.28 5.92 1.01 1.23 1.56 0.93 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.26 0.00 0.99
Oceania 0.15 0.00 0.64 1.75 0.00 1.70 0.24 1.50 1.04 4.39 0.00 0.68
Australia and New Zealand 0.15 0.00 0.64 1.75 0.00 1.70 0.24 1.50 1.04 4.39 0.00 0.68
Pacific Islands - - - - - - - - - - - -
WORLD 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
High income countries 7.75 19.23 16.35 22.08 5.72 7.74 20.72 3.23 12.92 35.35 2.66 12.33
Middle income countries 85.56 69.79 79.55 75.61 87.31 89.55 77.10 87.54 83.38 63.21 78.47 82.19
Low income countries 6.70 10.97 4.07 2.31 6.97 2.71 2.18 9.24 3.70 1.44 18.87 5.47
Low Income Food Deficit 40.46 31.08 19.43 18.82 52.00 39.82 16.22 21.00 35.71 24.49 40.38 34.88
CountriesCountries
Least Developed (LIFDC) 6.35 7.84 3.97 2.07 5.86 3.13 1.79 19.91 2.90 1.06 17.19 5.12
(LDC)
Source: FAO (2017)
Turkey's surface area is 78 million hectares, and agricultural activities are carried out at 28
million hectares of land, which is approximately 1/3 of the country’s surface area. However, only 8.5
million hectares of land can be irrigated technically and economically with the existing water potential.
6.35 million hectares of this area is currently being irrigated and the work is underway to open the
remaining area of 2.15 million hectares to irrigation (DSİ, 2016b).
Total land size of Turkey consists of 28.054.310 hectares of agricultural land, 21.505.112
hectares of meadow and pastures, 1.159.161 hectares of water surface, 23.220.060 hectares of forest
area and 3.998.557 hectares of other lands (TURKSTAT, 2017).

11
 Non-irrigated lands constitute 68.6% of total land size of Turkey, whereas irrigated lands
constitute 31.4%. 34.7% of total grain cultivation sites, 84.1% of vegetable and strawberry fields, 37.8%
of fruit fields, 41.5% of poplar and willow groves, 29.8% of meadows, and 57.5% of fields cultivated
for private consumption of households are being irrigated (Table 6).
Table 6. Irrigated Non-Irrigated by the Land Use and Distribution of land in Turkey, 2016
Land use Total Drained Without
Land Irrigation
Land
Total land 100 31,4 68,6
Field of grains and other crops 100 34,7 65,3
Vegetable and strawberry fields and flower gardens 100 84,1 15,9
(including seedlings and blanket)
Fruit and other perennial plants and land covered by 100 37,8 62,2
beverage and spice plants (including nursery and cover)
Poplar-willow 100 41,5 58,5
Land that is suitable for cultivation and is not used 100 1,3 98,7
Permanent meadow 100 29,8 70,2
Only the household (kitchen garden) used for their own 100 57,5 42,5
consumption
Other land 100 - 100
Source: TÜİK (2016)
Turkey has experienced an increase in yield of agricultural products in the country along with
the increase of irrigation facilities and capabilities. In this context, per hectare yield in dry and irrigated
conditions of some of the most cultivated agricultural crops in Turkey in 2012 and 2017 is shown in
Table 7, in line with data obtained from Turkstat. In 2017 wheat yield was 245.5 kg in dry conditions
and 424 kg in irrigated conditions. Barley production was 266 kg in dry conditions and 466 kg in
irrigated conditions. In terms of all agricultural products, the yield in irrigated conditions is about 73%
higher than dry conditions.
Table 7. Years of Grown Products in Turkey as of Dekar Yield (kg / da)
Products 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Dried Wheat 218,5 241 205 245,5 233,5 245,5
Water Wheat 393,5 427,5 357 439 410 424
Dry Barley 262,5 281 234,5 293,5 251 268
Water Barley 370,5 419 397 463,5 409,5 466
Sunflower Seed (Oil) 238 265 269 264 244 264
Sunflower Seeds (Snack) 170 160 152 155 166 168
Clover (Green grass) 1.742 2.014 1.954 2.115 2.424 2.675
Maize 739 895 907 933 942 925
Cotton Core (Raw) 281 285 298 280 303 293
Cotton, Uncooked (Unseed) 475 499 503 472 505 489
Cotton, Gilt (Fibrous) 176 195 181 170 182 176
Maize (Silage) 4.450 4.595 4.630 4.801 4.868 4.885
Chickpeas, Dry 127 121 116 129 129 120
Source: TÜİK (2018b)
Irrigation is one of the most effective factors in increasing agricultural production obtained from
unit area. With irrigation, which is an important input to agricultural development, both the amount of
moisture needed by the plant is provided and more product is obtained from the unit area. According to
the results of a study conducted by DSİ (State Hydraulic Works) in 2011, it was determined that the

12
gross national agricultural income increased fivefold. Average gross national agricultural income was
112 TL/da for pre-irrigation without a project, but rose to 655 TL/da after irrigation (DSİ, 2016c).
Furthermore, a study conducted in Adana province reported that agricultural income increased
about 5-6 times with irrigated farming. Approximately, the average agricultural income per hectare in
dry agriculture is $500 (750TL/ha) while it is $3,000 (4,500 TL/ha) after irrigation (Barutçu et al., 2013).
In general, as the agricultural productivity increases, the prosperity of the producers will also rise.
Opening non-irrigated lands for irrigated agriculture and increased yield will lead to an increase in the
competitiveness of agricultural products and an increase in national income.
The average yield and increase in production value provided by irrigation in Turkey are shown
for 2013 and 2016 in Table 8, based on 2016 Report of DSİ. According to the table, all crops except
cotton and vegetables increase in yield and production value together with irrigation. Despite the
increase in yield in the cotton plant shown in the table, there was a loss in the production value because
the market price in 2016 was lower than that of 2013. Natural disasters, as well as the wave of
immigration from the Middle East to Turkey, and political crises that occurred with Russia and other
countries resulted in restricted exports of vegetables in 2016. Vegetable production yield decreased in
2016 and production value decreased accordingly.
Table 8. Average Yield and Production Value Increases Provided by Irrigation, 2013-2016
2013 2016
Unit PRODUCTION VALUES Unit PRODUCTION VALUES (TL
YIELD YIELD
price (TL / da) price / da)
Plant Species Present Before
Before Before Increase Present Before Increase
Case Rate of Present Project Rate of Present
(TL/kg) Project Project (TL/da) (TL/kg) Case (kg Project (TL/da)
(kg / increase% Case (2) (kg / increase% Case (2)
(kg / da) (1) (2-1) / da) (1) (2-1)
da) da)
Cotton 1,51 128 500 291 193,28 755 561,7 0,86 177 510 188 152,20 438,60 286,40
Maize 0,63 199 1185 495 125,37 746,6 621,2 2,34 125 535 328 292,50 1.251,90 959,4
Sugar beet 0,14 3123 6272 90 437,22 878,1 440,9 0,6 205 1.637 699 123,00 982,20 859,20
Feed crops 0,44 476 1352 184 209,44 541,6 332,2 0,19 3.110 6.120 97 590,9 1.162,80 571,90
Cereals 0,65 177 441 149 115,05 286,7 171,6 1,26 1.127 2.429 116 1.420,00 3.060,50 1.640,50
Fruit 0,9 1053 2521 139 947,7 2268,9 1321,2 0,65 1.507 4.375 190 979,50 2.843,80 1.864,20
Vegetables 0,52 1488 4104 176 773,76 1937 1163,2 0,58 479 1.361 184 277,80 789,40 511,60

Source: DSİ (2016b).

The average yield increase and production value increase per decare provided by irrigation are
given in Figures 1 and 2. According to Figure 1, the average yield increase per decare provided by
irrigation was 188% in cotton, 328% in maize, 699% in sugar beet, 97% in forage plants, 116% in cereal
production, 190% in fruit production and 184% in vegetable production. In Figure 2, a production value
increase of 286,40 TL in cotton, 959,40 TL in maize, 859,20 TL in sugar beet, 571,90 TL in forage
plants, 1,640,50 TL in cereal production, 1,864,20 TL in fruit production and 511,60 TL can be seen.
Figure 1. Average Rate of Increase in Percentage Provided by Irrigation (%), 2016

699
700

600

500

400 328

300
188 190 184
200 116
97
100

0
Cotton Maize Sugar Beet Feed Crops Cereals Fruit Vegetable

Source: DSİ (2016b)

13
Figure 2. Increase in the Production Value of Units Provided by Irrigation (TL / da), 2016

2000 1864,2

1800 1640,5
1600
1400
1200 959,4
1000 859,2
771,9
800
511,6
600
286,4
400
200
0
Cotton Maize Sugar Beet Feed Crops Cereals Fruit Vegetable

Source: DSİ (2016b)

A large part of Turkey is under the influence of arid and semi-arid climate and severe water
shortages occur particularly in the summer months. Therefore, it is inevitable that dam constructions are
required for efficient use of water while considering the sustainability of resources and the economic
development of the country.
Basin based planned developments (dam, plant, canal construction, etc.) in Turkey aim to
increase the economic gains of the local population due to the projects based on water, and contribute
to planned and effective use of resources, protection of natural resources that cannot be produced by
alternative methods, storage of these natural resources within certain time periods, and management
based on needs.
Energy that will be obtained with irrigation investments realized in Turkey, sources of funding
necessary to complete irrigation, drinking-usage and industrial water and the benefits to be obtained by
the realization of these investments are given in Table 9. As of 2015, a total of 757 irrigation investment
projects have been prepared and these projects are currently being implemented. With the realization of
the planned section of these investment projects, 6,970,518.99 ha of area will be opened to irrigation. In
addition, 713,947 hectares of land will be protected from floods, 10,606,531 hm3 of drinking water will
be provided to rural and urban areas every year, and an average energy generation of 147,620.66 GWh
will be available. The total amount of investments required for the realization of these development
projects (2013 prices) was estimated at 585,969,161,672 TL.

14
Table 9. Investments According to the basin to Obtain and Irrigation Benefits in Turkey
AVERAGE
RESERVOIR
BASIN WATER IN LAND RESOURCES IN BASIN DEVELOPMAN SONU ELDE EDİLECEK FAYDALAR
IN BASIN Investment Required
BASIN
for the Realization of
AVERAGE
ANNUAL Development (Prices in FLOOD POTABLE
AGRICULTURE IRRIGABLE IRRIGATION ENERGY
Nu ORDINARY POPULATION (2015) AREA (km²) AVERAGE RAIN DAM (units) 2013) (TL) PROTECTION DRYING (ha) WATER
LAND (ha) AREA (ha) (ha) PRODUCTION
(mm) (ha) (hm³/yıl)
(GWh)
1 MERİÇ BASIN 749.510,00 14.560,00 604,00 22,00 1.095.320,00 1.077.992,00 6.170.374.183,00 186.582,00 83.283,00 9.018,00 162,13 98,70
MARMARA
2 17.608.408,00 24.100,00 728,70 60,00 865.704,00 729.957,00 26.664.499.188,00 112.168,00 8.213,00 0,00 244,46 3.664,66
BASIN
SUSURLUK
3 3.793.746,00 22.399,00 711,60 35,00 850.046,00 755.934,00 18.942.222.643,00 335.943,00 57.228,00 5.000,00 1.576,98 471,67
BASIN
4 K. EGE BASIN 1.112.098,00 10.003,00 624,20 16,00 367.479,00 316.348,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
5 GEDİZ BASIN 1.588.561,00 18.000,00 603,00 18,00 667.207,00 623.403,00 2.924.685.875,00 75.555,00 22.300,00 0,00 215,70 287,62
K.MENDERES
6 4.168.415,00 6.907,00 727,40 28,00 222.437,00 194.799,00 8.601.161.542,00 190.693,00 77.046,00 0,00 22,94 314,74
BASIN
B.MENDERES
7 1.346.490,00 24.976,00 664,30 11,00 1.044.296,00 907.383,00 7.061.816.305,00 217.880,00 36.000,00 0,00 1.739,67 34,53
BASIN
BATI AKDENİZ
8 908.877,00 20.953,00 875,80 16,00 437.356,00 406.601,00 4.244.737.677,00 73.775,99 1.500,00 0,00 1.263,52 102,98
BASIN
9 ANTALYA BASIN 3.341.962,00 19.577,00 1.000,40 29,00 451.224,00 448.111,00 21.851.936.659,00 243.965,00 34.384,00 17.793,00 4.454,88 1.121,73
BURDUR
10 680.105,00 6.374,00 446,30 19,00 251.403,00 249.484,00 3.969.934.474,00 113.776,00 11.085,00 2.319,00 829,05 0,00
GÖLLER BASIN
AKARÇAY
11 709.015,00 7.605,00 451,80 8,00 364.411,00 359.938,00 1.601.170.529,00 77.057,00 12.737,00 0,00 25,62 23,44
BASIN
12 SAKARYA BASIN 7.262.833,00 58.160,00 524,70 41,00 2.814.341,00 2.681.137,00 29.199.752.182,00 285.758,00 55.857,00 23.250,00 3.146,94 1.646,11
BATI
13 KARADENİZ 1.879.209,00 29.598,00 811,00 20,00 855.008,00 640.557,00 5.706.350.224,00 98.265,00 13.427,00 308,00 1.857,80 167,59
BASIN
YEŞİLIRMAK
14 2.721.221,00 36.114,00 496,50 40,00 1.617.206,00 1.401.213,00 24.190.657.810,00 361.500,00 128.150,00 0,00 10.045,01 213,82
BASIN
KIZILIRMAK
15 3.715.291,00 78.180,00 446,10 86,00 4.049.796,00 3.761.142,00 28.579.214.859,00 618.192,00 5.277,00 0,00 5.435,46 197,55
BASIN
KONYA KAPALI
16 3.105.368,00 53.850,00 416,80 26,00 2.182.762,00 2.134.915,00 25.382.179.760,00 274.197,00 207,00 5.645,00 2.458,62 159,90
BASIN
DOĞU AKDENİZ
17 1.745.221,00 22.048,00 745,00 11,00 438.281,00 327.790,00 7.422.861.991,00 100.955,00 3.418,00 5.265,00 2.844,48 292,77
BASIN
18 SEYHAN BASIN 2.183.167,00 20.450,00 624,00 14,00 764.673,00 714.014,00 18.269.521.800,00 461.736,00 99.094,00 9.260,00 7.895,82 416,00
19 ASİ BASIN 1.533.507,00 7.796,00 815,60 8,00 376.240,00 331.719,00 3.832.251.852,00 105.400,00 33.000,00 0,00 223,53 82,32
20 CEYHAN BASIN 1.609.483,00 21.982,00 731,60 21,00 779.792,00 713.670,00 12.456.532.182,00 220.626,00 21.272,00 2.100,00 7.844,23 52,00
FIRAT-DİCLE
21 12.646.409,00 184.918,00 1.347,30 147,00 5.442.031,00 5.248.944,00 257.505.082.687,00 2.394.278,00 5.000,00 0,00 66.894,04 945,96
BASIN
DOĞU
22 KARADENİZ 2.404.480,00 24.077,00 1.198,20 43,00 712.575,00 350.717,00 28.665.101.514,00 15.109,00 1.405,00 0,00 14.319,88 182,18
BASIN
23 ÇORUH BASIN 246.920,00 19.872,00 629,40 9,00 326.220,00 303.362,00 28.099.186.399,00 25.709,00 324,00 0,00 10.429,14 6,50
24 ARAS BASIN 584.360,00 27.548,00 432,40 20,00 642.017,00 641.137,00 9.797.130.059,00 292.499,00 3.740,00 0,00 2.375,20 43,76
VAN KAPALI
25 1.096.397,00 19.405,00 474,30 9,00 436.485,00 433.319,00 4.830.799.277,00 88.900,00 0,00 3.000,00 1.315,56 80,00
BASIN
TOTAL 78 741 053 779452(XX) 658,9(X) 757,00 28.054.310,00 25.753.586,00 585.969.161.672,00 6.970.518,99 713.947,00 82.958,00 147.620,66 10.606,53

Source: DSİ (2016b)

15
CONSLUSIONS
At the forefront of current problems in the world comes the planning and effective use of water
management, which is a triggering factor for water use and productivity in agricultural production.
Recent studies have emphasized the need of addressing water sources with an integrated management
approach that includes social, economic and environmental factors in order to achieve sustainability of
water resources –which is a natural resource without an alternative–, identify issues that threaten water
resources, and establish necessary strategies. The need for effective water management policies have
also been globally acknowledge and accepted.
The inputs used for agricultural production are very important in terms of sustainability.
Irrigation affects the use and quality of all inputs when evaluated for other uses. In this study, ratio of
irrigated cropland in the world and in Turkey according to product groups and distribution of product
groups among countries were examined, and the importance of irrigation was discussed.
Irrigation plays an important role in increasing yield and productivity in agricultural production.
Based on the data evaluated in this study, it was determined that wheat yield in dry conditions was 245.5
kg per decare in 2017 and 424 kg in irrigated conditions. Likewise, barley production in dry conditions
was 268 kg while the yield was determined as 466 kg in irrigated conditions. On average, the yield in
irrigated conditions is about 73% higher than dry conditions for all products. At this point, while
irrigation creates significant yield increases, it is also rapidly consumed as a resource without an
alternative. At this point, the need for realization of sustainable agriculture, the most efficient use of
resources to meet unlimited human needs, and the need to maintain water for long-term use become
evident. Taking all these into consideration, the importance of irrigation in feeding the world population
and contributing to the conservation of resources in dry farming is crystal clear.
According to the results of this study; planning water management and water use and increasing
irrigation efficiency through new practices and planning are needed. Increasing demand for food in
parallel with the population increase, and the efforts to increase productivity and yield with irrigation
results in excessive use of water. However, there is no need to use water so intensively in agricultural
production. Realization of efficient distribution of water to fields, determination of water need according
to the product and making product-based irrigation plans will contribute to efficient use of water. The
creation of irrigation schemes by cooperatives and unions according to product, level of technology
usage and land size should also contribute to the efficient and sustainable use of water along with
irrigation techniques being used by farmers as well as training provided on the relationship of water and
cost. Irrigation quotas for farmers should be determined based on crops and products, charging policies
and penal sanctions should be enforced on farmers that exceed these quotas. Marketing channels of the
products and priority products in terms of productivity/yield should be determined and reclamation
activities should be organized to increase product yields where dry farming is performed.
REFERENCES
Barutçu, F., Bülbül, R., Uyan, A., Tepeli, E., Çınar, M. ve Sarıtaş, H., 2013, Adana Tarımsal Sulama
Altyapısının Analizi Sulamanın Sorunları ve Çözüm Önerileri, TC Gıda Tarım ve Hayvancılık
Bakanlığı, Adana Zirai Üretim şletmesi Tarımsal Yayım ve Hizmet çi Eğitim Merkezi
Müdürlüğü Yayın (26).
DSİ, 2016a, DSİ Faaliyet Raporu, http://www.dsi.gov.tr/stratejik-planlama/faaliyet-raporlari:
DSİ, 2016b, DSİ 2016 Yılı Resmi Su Kaynakları İstatistİkleri, http://www.dsi.gov.tr/dsi-resmi-
istatistikler/resmi-i-statistikler-2016/2016-y%C4%B1l%C4%B1-verileri: [14.06.2018].
DSİ, 2016c, Sulamanın Önemi, http://www.dsi.gov.tr/docs/hizmet-alanlari/tarim-sulama.pdf:
[24.12.2017].
Engindeniz, S., Atiş, E., Saner, G. ve Coşar, G. Ö., Tarımın Sürdürülebilirliği Açısından Sulama Amaçlı
Barajlar ve Üretici Beklentileri: Yortanlı Barajı Örneği.
Evsahibioğlu, A., Çakmak, B. ve Aküzüm, A., 2010, Su Yönetimi, Su Kullanım Stratejileri ve Sınıraşan
Sular, TMMOB Ziraat Mühendisleri Odası Türkiye Ziraat Mühendisliği VII. Teknik Kongresi,
1, 119-134.
FAO, 2002, Agricultural drainage water management in arid and semi-arid areas, by K.K. Tanji & N.C.
Kielen. Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 61. Rome.

16
 FAO, 2017, Aquastat, http://www.fao.org/nr/water/aquastat/main/index.stm: [05.05.2017].
GTHB, 2015, Sürdürülebilir Tarım,
https://kutahya.tarim.gov.tr/Belgeler/S%C3%BCrd%C3%BCr%C3%BClebilir%20Tar%C4%
B1m.pdf: [06.06.2018].
McTainsh, G., 1998, Dust storm index, Sustainable agriculture: assessing Australia’s recent
performance, 56-62.
TÜİK, 2016, Türkiye Tarımsal İşletme Yapı Anketi,
http://www.tuik.gov.tr/PreHaberBultenleri.do?id=24869: [14.06.2018].
TÜİK, 2017, Tarımsal Göstergeler, https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=92&locale=tr:
TÜİK, 2018a, Bitkisel Üretim İstatistikleri, Ankara,
https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=104&locale=tr: [30.03.2018].
TÜİK, 2018b, Bitkisel Ürün İstatistikleri, https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=104&locale=tr:
[14.09.2017].
Worldbank, T., 2017, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator?display=grap: [10.10.2017].
Zaman, A., Zaman, P. ve Maitra, S., 2017, Water resource development and management for agricultural
sustainability, Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 2 (2), 73-77.

17

View publication stats