Türkiye will showcase Southeastern Anatolian cotton on the global stage at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The Better Cotton Initiative practices implemented across the nation's southeast will be showcased at the event to be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20.
The project was coordinated by the GAP (Southeastern Anatolia Project) Regional Development Administration under the Industry and Technology Ministry and implemented by the UN Development Program (UNDP).
The scheme aims to boost production efficiency and reduce agricultural inputs in Türkiye's southeast, where over half of the nation's total cotton production takes place.
The project relies on a production model that complies with global cotton standards and has been implemented across an area of over 123,500 acres over the past five years.
The transition to sustainable farming methods led to a 20 percent rise in crop yields while reducing fertiliser use by around 30 percent and cutting irrigation requirements by 45 percent.
The cultivation framework aims to protect soil health and preserve biodiversity, boosting agricultural resilience against the negative impacts of climate change.
Hasan Maral, chair of the GAP Regional Development Administration, told Anadolu that agricultural engineers and field supervisors contributed to achieving productive results across the region.
Maral stated that the project significantly boosted cotton production, especially in the Sanliurfa and Diyarbakir plains, while reducing the use of fertilisers, pesticides and water.
“We focused on producing high-quality cotton, a global standard governed by strict criteria, and over the five years of implementing this project, we’ve been able to promote the standard throughout the region,” he said.
“Over 2,100 of our producers are currently engaged in sustainable cotton production in the region, a milestone that has caught the attention of relevant authorities — flagship initiatives will be displayed at COP31 that Türkiye is hosting this year, and we’re excited to see the results of our labour through the Better Cotton practices displayed on the global stage,” he added.
