By the Editorial Board of Kohan Textile Journal
On the occasion of World Cotton Day (October 7), Fevzi Çondur, Chairman of the Aydın Commodity Exchange and the National Cotton Council of Türkiye, emphasized the strategic importance of cotton for the Turkish economy and textile industry. He also warned about the growing threats posed by climate change and rising production costs on sustainable cotton farming.
Cotton Production: A Pillar of the Turkish Economy
Cotton is not only an agricultural product but also the core raw material supporting Türkiye’s textile, apparel, and export industries. With over 465,000 hectares of cultivated land and an annual output of 840,000 tons, Türkiye ranks 7th globally in cotton production and 4th in imports (around 1 million tons).
Despite this strong position, forecasts for the 2025–2026 season indicate a potential decline in both cultivated area and production, mainly due to water scarcity and increasing input costs.
Çondur highlighted that while countries like China, India, Brazil, the U.S., and Pakistan lead global production, Türkiye’s competitiveness depends on policy support, technological renewal, and sustainable resource management.
Climate Change: The Greatest Threat to Cotton Sustainability
According to Çondur, climate change has become the most serious threat to the cotton supply chain. Irregular rainfall, drought, and reduced groundwater levels have made irrigation increasingly expensive and unpredictable.
“Climate-induced water shortages make production planning nearly impossible,” Çondur noted. “Without effective water management and advanced irrigation methods, cotton growers face declining yields and financial losses.”
He stressed the urgency of expanding pressurized irrigation systems, investing in water-efficient cotton varieties, and supporting R&D initiatives to enhance resilience. Without integrated national strategies, he warned, Türkiye could face significant losses in both agriculture and rural employment.
Rising Costs and the Need for Policy Support
Beyond climate challenges, rising input costs, energy expenses, and insufficient subsidy mechanisms continue to burden producers. Çondur called for updating the premium payment model, aligning support schedules with farmers’ financial cycles, and improving access to credit—especially for small-scale farmers.
“If current uncertainties persist, more producers may abandon cotton cultivation,” he added. “Ensuring affordable financing and fair compensation is key to keeping cotton production viable.”
Cotton and the Textile Export Chain
Türkiye’s textile and apparel industries rely heavily on domestic cotton as their main raw material, collectively accounting for around 30% of the nation’s exports and employing millions. However, as production struggles to meet demand, imports have surged—creating risks for supply chain stability.
Çondur underlined the need for a comprehensive national policy that reinforces local production, encourages licensed warehousing, and strengthens the connection between producers and manufacturers.
He concluded that cotton is not only an agricultural product but a strategic pillar of Türkiye’s industrial future, providing jobs, export revenue, and economic resilience.
