Climate and water shortages threaten Türkiye’s avocado boom

Once celebrated as one of Türkiye’s fastest-growing crops, avocado production is now under serious threat due to climate change and water shortages. Severe frosts in February, March, and April devastated crops nationwide.

Avocado production has nearly increased tenfold in the past five years—from about 5,923 tons in 2020 to 64,500 tons in 2024. Antalya led in production with 35,694 tons last year, while Alanya expanded its avocado-growing area from 62 acres 13 years ago to 4,080 acres in 2024, raising its output from just over 1,200 tons to 17,000 tons in five years.

But this year, losses have been heavy. The Alanya Chamber of Agriculture President, Tahir Göktepe, said frost and hail caused a ≈50 % drop in yield. “Last year we had capacity for 100 million avocados. This year we expected 150 million, but due to climate conditions we now anticipate only 60 to 70 million,” he explained.

Producers in Mersin are also struggling with water shortages. Rasim Şahin, president of the Erdemli Chamber of Agriculture, noted that while farmers have been keen on avocado cultivation for the past two-three years, ongoing drought is stalling production. “Climate change and drought are dominant. We are discussing what alternatives we can pursue. Avocados require a lot of water, so at this stage we are not recommending new plantations,” he said.