As the nation experiences water shortages as a consequence of local weather change, the brand new Mardin-Ceylanpınar canal from the Atatürk Dam in Şanlıurfa to Mardin in southeastern Türkiye started supplying water to just about 125,000 acres of agricultural land, relieving farmers to extend manufacturing.
Within the scope of the Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP), a multi-sector built-in regional growth undertaking, the canal has been accomplished and was put into service on Wednesday.
With its 221-kilometer (137.23-mile) size, the “canal of abundance” will enable the area to reap crops thrice a yr and enhance farmers’ earnings.
“The Mardin-Ceylanpınar Main Canal is the longest synthetic river in Türkiye. It is longer than the Suez Canal and thrice the scale of the Panama Canal. When all sections are accomplished, 50,261 hectares (124,197 acres) of land, equal to the scale of 70,000 soccer fields, of agricultural land will probably be irrigated,” the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry stated.
The canal value TL 2 billion ($75 million) to assemble.
With the canal, 35% of the nation’s grain wants will probably be met from this area.
“It is a historic occasion that the water of the Euphrates River will meet the fertile lands of higher Mesopotamia,” Dursun Yıldız, the pinnacle of the Water Policy Association, advised native media.
Yıldız famous that the undertaking is about to double agricultural yields, increasing the vary of merchandise past grains to incorporate citrus fruits and greenhouse farming.
Pointing out that bringing the Euphrates’ water to the Mardin Plain is not going to solely profit the area and Türkiye however will even considerably contribute to neighboring nations’ meals safety, Yıldız acknowledged that extreme groundwater utilization within the area over the past three many years would additionally curb.
Mehmet Şerif Öter, head of Kızıltepe Grain Trade Center, additionally highlighted that the canal might generate employment for about 300,000 individuals.
“The canal will irrigate these lands, and these lands will feed all the nation. The undertaking will probably be a supply of livelihood for 300,000 people and breathe life into the area,” Öter stated.
“We currently harvest twice a year. With the canal, in some areas, three harvests could even be possible annually. The Mardin Plain currently meets 20% of the country’s wheat and legume needs. Once the canal is fully operational, the Mardin Plain will fulfill at least 35% of our country’s needs. If production thrives, external dependence will decrease,” he added.
Remzi Tekin, a farmer in Kızıltepe district, acknowledged that they endure from water scarcity as a result of scorching warmth in the summertime and that the producers will probably be relieved as soon as the undertaking is accomplished.
Veysi Dalmış, one other native farmer, defined that the area may have a vibrant capability when it comes to agriculture by way of irrigation channels and stated, “GAP will make a serious contribution to the country’s economy. Currently, we draw water from 600-700 meters. If we enrich the Mesopotamian Plain, our irrigation needs will be fulfilled without relying on external sources.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
