Drought is seriously affecting sunflower production in Thrace. Farmers are experiencing yield losses and are forced to turn to alternative crops.

Taner Öztürk, the President of Lalapaşa Agricultural Chamber, stated, "This year, the yield is almost nonexistent. We have no choice but to try alternative crops." Sunflower fields in Thrace have withered without blooming this year.

For the last three years, seasons without rainfall and rising temperatures have decreased sunflower yields. Producers state that it is not possible to continue under these conditions.

Öztürk emphasized, "We cultivate the land but do not receive any return. We have no choice but to try alternative crops." This situation threatens the agricultural future of Thrace.

The decline in sunflower production due to drought may increase Turkey's dependency on oil imports. Urgent measures are needed in agricultural policies.