The Search for Solutions in Agriculture
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Erayman, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at Cyprus International University, evaluated solutions for the agricultural sector struggling with the effects of climate change. Drawing attention to the challenges faced by producers, especially in regions with hot and arid climates like Cyprus, Prof. Dr. Erayman stated that issues such as water scarcity, evaporation, lack of organic matter in the soil, and inappropriate crop selection are prominent. He stated that problems such as water scarcity and high evaporation directly affect agricultural production in regions like Cyprus.
Prof. Dr. Erayman emphasized the need to implement underground irrigation systems when drip irrigation is insufficient for the efficient use of water resources. He stated that enriching soils with organic matter is critical for both increasing water retention capacity and supporting productivity. Also touching on the importance of digital technologies and the use of drones in agriculture, Prof. Dr. Erayman stated that spraying according to weather conditions reduces input costs, increases on-field productivity, and allows for more controlled water use. He emphasized that, particularly in dryland farming, accurate planting time is crucial for germination success.
He explained that with his expertise in plant breeding, genetic selection and biotechnological methods play a significant role in developing drought-resistant varieties. He explained that techniques such as genomic selection, rapid breeding, and CRISPR yield results much quicker than traditional methods, and that plants can be developed to yield higher yields with less water.
1. What are the challenges of farming in regions with hot, dry summers like Cyprus? How can farmers cope with these conditions?
Cyprus is a truly hot and dry region. We have been experiencing global climate impacts in recent years. Rainfall is irregular. When it does rain, it can be localized and abundant. Even though total annual rainfall is said to be 350-400 ml, this rainfall doesn't fall everywhere. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary. We must remember that in addition to water scarcity, evaporation is also high. This is a factor that creates stress on plants. Given our limited irrigation resources, we need to irrigate very carefully. Drip irrigation systems relatively prevent evaporation. However, Cyprus needs to start considering underground irrigation systems, as drip irrigation can also cause significant evaporation.
Underground irrigation is achieved by digging 40-50 cm into the soil and laying pipes. This minimizes evaporation. While this is a very advantageous method, it also has its drawbacks. There are concerns that plant roots can clog the water pipes. Currently, in these systems, the pipes are sealed with certain chemicals to prevent plant roots from wrapping around them.
We have a lack of organic matter in the soil. This lack of organic matter reduces the soil's water-holding capacity. If the soil is low in organic matter, water drains and sinks to the bottom. The more spongy the soil structure, the more water it can retain. Therefore, we need to enrich our soil with organic matter. We can achieve this through practices such as applying humic acid and composted manure. I want to emphasize that composted and fermented manure is essential. Applying undigested manure to the soil cannot protect the land from weeds and diseases.
When choosing a crop variety or tree species like wheat or barley, it's important to ensure it's suitable for the region. One important factor to consider when choosing a variety is that not every variety is drought-tolerant. For example, if you plant wheat grown in Turkey's rain-rich Marmara region, you might be disappointed. Therefore, the varieties you plant here must be suitable for the region. The Ministry of Agriculture has excellent work in this area, including wheat and barley breeding programs. Varieties suitable for the region have been developed, and these varieties have been accepted by our farmers.
Planting time also requires careful attention. It's crucial to carefully monitor meteorological data. It's crucial to identify when rainfall is likely. Wheat and especially barley are cultivated extensively here. A large portion of this is done through dryland farming. Only 10% of the country's approximately 180,000-190,000 hectares of agricultural land can be irrigated. Therefore, when planning planting time, especially for barley, it's crucial to accurately calculate the expected rainfall. Otherwise, healthy germination will not occur. Our small-scale farmers can store winter rainfall and use it for irrigation during the dry months through a method called rain harvesting.
Cyprus has underground lakes and aquifers. Significant investments can be made in studies related to their discharge through the State Hydraulic Works and the Ministry of Agriculture. All of these aquifers have a clear potential. For example, if an aquifer holds 1 million cubic meters of water and all of it is withdrawn, sea seepage will begin due to the proximity to sea level, leading to salinization. If such utilization is undertaken, these issues must be closely monitored and the ecological balance must be protected. Aquifers must be used according to their potential. Sustainability is an important concept here as well. Conscious use is crucial.
2.With rising temperatures, some plant species experience yield declines. Which crops are more affected by this situation, and what are the scientific solutions?
Every plant has a certain tolerance to heat. Plants like wheat and barley are more sensitive to heat. Even if they are short, they struggle to produce spikes when exposed to heat, or the pollen in the spikes dies, preventing pollination. Therefore, I want to emphasize the importance of variety selection once again. Heat-resistant wheat and barley varieties suitable for the island should be selected.
Varieties identified as heat-tolerant in another country can be adapted to the island through a method called introduction. The Ministry of Agriculture has its own observation gardens. They can plant the plants, select a few heat-tolerant varieties, and include them in breeding programs. Shading measures can be implemented to combat heat stress, especially in gardens. Humidification and mulching can be applied to plants like strawberries.
For example, chickpeas are very sensitive to heat. If the air temperature reaches 35-40 degrees Celsius during flowering, the pollen will die. Therefore, planting times for these types of plants can be adjusted by paying attention to the specific planting time. They can be planted a little earlier. Therefore, our farmers need to closely monitor climate data.
3. Could you explain to our readers the concept of "plant breeding," your area of expertise? What role does plant breeding play in developing plants resistant to summer drought?
lant breeding is a very broad field of science. When we talk about plant breeding, we're not just talking about growing and selecting plants. A plant breeder must be a skilled agronomist, have a thorough understanding of genetics, be able to follow and utilize technological developments, and, in particular, have a strong understanding of biotechnology. They must also have a thorough understanding of plant protection methods and diseases to cultivate plants resistant to them.
Water use efficiency varies among plants and varieties. This is a genetic trait. Within plants, genes that determine heat tolerance are present within their cells. These genes are more active in certain plant varieties. In fact, when we select, we select these genes. Plants with extensive root structures are generally drought-resistant.
When selecting, breeding, and developing plants, we either create these drought and temperature conditions ourselves or establish trial plots in different arid regions to test different varieties. We take the winning plants and improve them. This way, we can select varieties that yield more with less water. These are, of course, the results of years of research. With conventional methods, these periods can range from 10 to 20 years. In other words, the wheat used in the bread you eat today has a 20-30-year history.
4. Are crops like corn and chickpeas suitable for growing in Cyprus? What are your thoughts on their summer performance?
Corn is a beautiful plant, but it also requires a lot of water. Cyprus has around 60,000-70,000 head of cattle alone. If each animal ate an average of 20-30 kilograms of corn silage, thousands of tons of corn would be needed. However, due to insufficient water, our farmers are turning barley and wheat planted in winter into silage to feed to their animals. These are not as good as corn in terms of both productivity and quality. Corn is a plant with a high nutritional value, both in starch and protein. Furthermore, corn grows in the summer, so it absolutely requires water. Today, 1 kilogram of wheat requires 300 liters of water, while 1 kilogram of corn requires 150 liters.
lthough it can yield more with less water, it is less cultivated because it grows in the summer months and Cyprus experiences water supply difficulties during the summer months. This problem can be solved with underground micro-irrigation systems. Of course, creating this infrastructure is costly. But we have to do it at some point. Because the population is growing, cleaning wastewater and using it for irrigation is also a solution. Chickpeas are a great alternative crop for Cyprus because they are resistant to heat and drought. Lentils are similar. Their straw is also very valuable. If not as valuable as alfalfa straw, it's almost as valuable. They are also important for covering animal feed costs. These are the plants and solutions that will enable sustainability. Bringing in feed and silage from abroad and trying to run a mill with transported water are common practices. However, we can feed our animals by cultivating these here. Choosing chickpea varieties suitable for the region and carefully selecting corn varieties with high water use efficiency will improve performance.
5. Is it possible to genetically modify plants to make them resistant to heat, drought, or disease? How safe is this?
here are no significant studies demonstrating their safety. Conventional breeding methods could even lead to a species that could become a nuisance. I mean, it could also develop in nature. For example, there are some invasive species in nature. These aren't produced in a laboratory.
My view is that plants produced in a laboratory should be trusted because they undergo very detailed preliminary testing. When people hear that their genes have been modified, they naturally become concerned. Since we're involved in this field, we know and see the meticulous and detailed nature of the process. However, public perception is quite different. There are very strict regulations regarding genetically modified plants. We're talking about meticulously conducted processes, regulated by laws, with penalties. All incoming agricultural products are also tested. The public can rest assured. Of course, their use must be sustainable. Furthermore, those involved in this work must be aware and careful, especially when applying pesticides, to ensure their own health and the health of those around them.
I'd also like to mention the CRISPR-Cas9 system, a recently used system. With this system, we can modify, turn off, or on any nucleotide in any gene, delivered to the address you want. This eliminates some of the problems we encountered in the past. With this system, we can adjust the desired gene sequences and make the desired changes within that gene, reducing the potential problems associated with gene modification. I'd like to emphasize again that people shouldn't be afraid of the term "genetically modified." Genetically modified bacteria are present in the yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, and milk we consume. Even insulin drugs are derived from transgenic, or genetically modified, bacteria. These will also advance biotechnological R&D and advance science. It's crucial for governments to support this research. It's time to bring this technology to the field.
6. What problems do drones and digital technologies used in agriculture solve today? How do they contribute, especially in the summer months?
These technologies need to be used. There may be an infrastructure cost. Feasibility studies need to be conducted. However, profit margins have fallen significantly not only in agricultural income but also in other income streams. Therefore, we need to develop strategies to reduce inputs. Gasoline prices have increased, seed prices have increased… How can we reduce these inputs? We must closely monitor the climate. If pesticides can be applied twice instead of ten times, this will generate significant profits. A farmer who doesn't monitor weather conditions well and applies pesticides to their fields on a windy day will lose money, while a farmer who monitors climate conditions will profit. Every additional application due to the ineffectiveness of a pesticide applied in windy or humid weather is a cost. Secondly, we must leverage technology. I've been receiving good news in our country regarding this. Some companies are spraying with drones. Almost all of the pesticide applied by drones reaches the plant. While you'd normally need approximately 400-500 liters of water to spray 20 acres of land, drone spraying allows you to spray the same area with a 20-30 liter water tank. You can also save approximately 30% on pesticide costs. Because it allows spraying without entering the field, you don't harm your own plants. This has significant benefits. Therefore, I hope it becomes more widespread in our country. However, these practices also raise some concerns regarding Civil Aviation. Our government must facilitate this in a controlled manner.
7. Can medicinal plants be grown more efficiently in warm climates? Could Cyprus be a suitable production center for these plants?
Cyprus has a very special climate, and there are medicinal plants that are unique to this region and can grow very well here. Goldenrod, gabbar, and lavender are some of them. Cumin is among the medicinal plants I consider most suitable for this region. It has a very high medicinal value. It requires almost no water and is resistant to heat. Farmers need to be educated on this issue. I'm sure the Ministry of Agriculture is working on this. There's a plant called gabbar and capers that grows naturally here. Industries related to this need to develop. Plants like olives and carob have medicinal value. It's beneficial to implement technologies that can extract added value from these plants. I believe methods that will make farmers happy need to be developed because our farming population is aging. If we can encourage our young people to turn to the fields and gardens and provide them with hope for a comfortable life, we can achieve very successful agricultural activities.
8.What is the importance of pasture and forage crop production in combating drought? What solutions can be developed for the summer heat in these areas, which also support livestock farming?
We just mentioned that corn requires a lot of water. One of the best alternatives to corn is sorghum, the plant we call millet. Its leaves, stems, and seeds are excellent forage sources. It uses almost half the water and fertilizer of corn, but is almost as productive and high-quality. We have a suitable climate for sorghum. There is a legume, forage crop, called damson. It would be beneficial to focus on these plants.
Provincial Directorates of Agriculture or units related to Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources could revitalize pastures so that goats and sheep could graze there. Night grazing could be implemented. While managing animals at night is quite challenging, considering the advancements in technology, it's not impossible.
Data shows that mixed cropping is not common in our country. However, the mixed cropping of certain crops can increase productivity. Our Faculty is always ready to provide consulting services on these matters. Farmers are always welcome to contact us for advice.
9. How quickly can advanced techniques like genomic selection and rapid breeding develop plants resilient to climate change?
Genomic selection and rapid breeding are two very popular methods currently. They are used in both animal breeding and plant breeding. These methods allow you to analyze tens of thousands of plants and select the most resistant and suitable plant and take samples from it. These methods save you from the years of additional measuring and harvesting in the field. On the other hand, rapid breeding, which I particularly emphasize, is relatively easier. You can get yield from a plant in a container in two months. This reduces the work that would normally take 15-20 years to just four or five years. This technique is widely used in many parts of the world. There is also a tissue culture method. This way, we can shorten breeding times.
What needs to be done in our country is to provide project support for such studies. At the CIU Graduation Ceremony, our Minister made us very happy by making statements about his support for such research. Providing scholarships to students working in these fields and supporting such projects will both increase our country's scientific appeal and stimulate student flow.
We must prioritize sustainability. It's beneficial to do what we can to the best of our ability without harming human health and life, and, if possible, without damaging the environment.
10. What scientific and practical advice would you give to farmers, producers, and young agricultural entrepreneurs for successful production during the summer heat?
Unfortunately, soil analysis is not taken seriously in our country. This significantly reduces the efficiency of fertilizer use. We should not plant without understanding our soil, climate, and variety. We must be very careful in choosing drought-tolerant species and varieties. Planting alternative drought-tolerant plants is important. I recommend growing drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate plants like cumin and Medina dates.
The plant we call "babutsa" (a type of date palm) has suffered significant damage from a recent disease. This situation is a result of farmers not working together. If pesticides had been applied in a timely manner and they had been informed about each other, it could have been prevented. Therefore, communication is crucial. Working together is crucial.
It is beneficial for farmers to act collectively when addressing such issues.
It is important for our farmers to review their irrigation systems every season, repair leaks, and ensure regular irrigation. If possible, we should abandon unregulated irrigation methods, as our water supply is already limited. If possible, we should irrigate underground. This method allows for more water to be irrigated with the same amount of water. Mulching is especially effective in vegetable gardens. This also helps prevent weeds, as they also cause significant water loss.
Digital farming practices should be closely monitored. Technology shouldn't intimidate us. It's now possible to track irrigation and fertilization in our own gardens and fields with a mobile phone. These methods ensure efficient use of inputs and minimize personal errors.
In other words, if farming is to be done, it must be done comprehensively. When something is missing in farming, both yield and quality decline. Everything revolves around the weakest chain. Where you don't monitor, you lose. Sustainable, affordable, and well-informed farming is the most important advice I can give.