Türkiye is accelerating efforts to modernize its irrigation infrastructure and enhance water efficiency in agriculture, with major upgrades and expansion projects set to continue through 2026, according to the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ).

The government has announced plans to open an additional 64,000 hectares (158,154 acres) of farmland for irrigation in 2026, increasing the total irrigable area nationwide to 7.334 million hectares. This expansion is part of Türkiye’s long-term water management and agricultural modernization strategy, aimed at improving productivity while preserving the country’s limited water resources.

Focus on modernization and water efficiency

DSİ emphasized that outdated irrigation infrastructure—such as open canals and ditches—will be systematically replaced with advanced closed-pipe systems. These modern systems are designed to minimize water loss, enhance distribution efficiency, and adapt to the growing demands of sustainable agriculture.

Currently, about 36% of irrigation systems in Türkiye are based on modern piped technology, while traditional and canal-based systems each account for 32%. New projects will prioritize expanding closed-pipe networks to further improve efficiency.

Water-use efficiency remains a strategic priority, as agriculture consumes the largest share of Türkiye’s freshwater resources. Authorities are also preparing to introduce consumption-based pricing systems in agricultural irrigation to promote conservation. Installation of water meters on irrigation networks is ongoing—56,550 meters have already been installed across 377 facilities, with an additional 12,000 meters planned for 2025.

Expanding irrigation and land consolidation

As part of broader land-use and agricultural planning, Türkiye is pursuing large-scale land consolidation and soil mapping initiatives. By the end of 2025, the total consolidated area is expected to reach 9.6 million hectares, with 7.8 million hectares already registered. In 2026, consolidation will begin on 450,000 hectares, alongside registration of another 352,000 hectares.

Land-use planning efforts are also supported by detailed soil surveys and mapping. By 2024, studies covering 755,000 hectares were completed, bringing the cumulative surveyed area to 3.6 million hectares. That figure is projected to rise to 5.4 million hectares by 2026.

Expanding water storage and irrigation capacity

Türkiye’s total irrigated area has reached 7.027 million hectares following the addition of 70,000 hectares of irrigated land in 2025. The target for 2026 is to reach 7.334 million hectares, supported by the completion of new dams, reservoirs, and irrigation projects.

The number of water storage facilities across the country has now reached 1,802, with a total capacity of 183,413 cubic hectometers. With 22 dams and seven reservoirs scheduled for completion this year, Türkiye’s total storage capacity is expected to rise slightly to 183,739 cubic hectometers.

Renovation efforts have also been vigorous. Last year, modernization covered 80,313 hectares of irrigated land, while renewal works are ongoing on 80 irrigation facilities across 254,000 hectares. Project planning continues for further upgrades affecting about 950,000 hectares.

Protecting farmland and improving productivity

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Türkiye is implementing comprehensive initiatives to protect agricultural lands and enhance productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has identified four key priorities within this framework: preventing the misuse of existing farmland, expanding the adoption of modern farming techniques to improve efficiency, reclaiming fallow land to bring it back into active cultivation, and accelerating land consolidation projects to ensure more effective and sustainable use of agricultural resources.

Officials say these initiatives are essential to ensure sustainable food production amid increasing water scarcity and global climate pressures.

A strategic investment for Türkiye’s agricultural future

With water scarcity becoming a growing concern, Türkiye’s investment in advanced irrigation and land management marks a major step toward sustainable agriculture. By integrating closed-pipe irrigation systems, improved monitoring, and responsible land use, the government aims to strike a balance between productivity and environmental protection.

Experts say the ongoing modernization will not only save billions of cubic meters of water annually but also strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to national food security in the years ahead. (ILKHA)