1st Istanbul International Geography Congress Proceedings Book
The possible effects of climate change on agricultural production economics: bugar beet production
Banu Döşer, Sedat AvcıThe two most common sources of sucrose-based sugar production in the world are sugar cane and sugar beet. This study explores the effects of climate change on sugar beet production and, consequently, on the sugar industry in Turkey. Seventy percent of Turkey’s sugar beet production occurs in the agricultural areas of Central Anatolia. Rainfall and temperature data in the region were evaluated in accordance with AR5 scenarios from the most recent IPCC assessment report. According to scenarios based on applied projections for Turkey, changes in temperature will be more defined than changes in rainfall. Although the 21st century will not witness a major change in sugar beet production, it is expected that sugar supply will not meet the demand, considering the projections of population growth. The sugar beet plant requires a certain amount of water during its production. Changes in irrigation methods are mandatory to eliminate water shortages due to climate change. The sugar beet yield should be increased to ensure sufficient sugar per capita in the future and to prevent a dependence on external sources. The sustainability of sugar beet agriculture and the sugar industry are of the utmost importance for the future with respect to other sectors and in socioeconomic terms.