Record Rainfall in Konya Plain: Best in 20 Years!

The Konya Plain, known as Turkey's grain storage, which had a winter below expectations, received the highest rainfall in the past 20 years during the months of April and May.

The rainfall received since the beginning of spring has been joyfully welcomed in the plain.

Hüseyin Çevik, the President of Konya Commodity Exchange (KTB), stated that the rainfall during the months of grain planting did not occur at the desired level.

Çevik expressed that the farmers' spirits were lifted by the received rainfall and stated the following:

"The rainfall in May exceeded 50 millimeters. Perhaps there was less snowfall in January and February, but the rainfall in April and May was good. We received rainfall above the average for the past 15-20 years. When we look at the reports of the National Grain Council, we can foresee that this year's wheat harvest will not be lower than last year's. (Nationally) I estimate that this figure will be over 20 million tons again. We also expect barley production to be around 7.5 to 8.5 million tons."

Bekir Kağnıcıoğlu, the President of the Altınekin Chamber of Agriculture, expressed that the rainfall that occurred during the months of April and May exceeded the long-term average. Kağnıcıoğlu pointed out the beneficial effects of the rainfall on the crops during this period, stating, "In Altınekin, which is the area with the most intense agricultural activity in the Konya Plain, we received over 150 millimeters of rainfall per square meter in the last 2 months. We received abundant rainfall, which is crucial for the plant's water needs, in April and May. This will have a very positive impact on the yield. Farmers are extremely satisfied with the rainfall this spring."