Water and Energy Resources in the Southeast Sound the Alarm
Unauthorized corn planting in the Southeast, continued despite drought conditions, is triggering an energy problem in the region. Illegal transformers and unlicensed wells alone consume as much electricity as a mid-sized city. Dicle Elektrik draws attention to the necessity of planning agricultural production in line with climate and infrastructure conditions.
Unlicensed corn cultivation in the Southeast, despite drought conditions, is triggering energy problems in the region. Illegal transformers and unlicensed wells are consuming electricity equivalent to that of a medium-sized city. Dicle Elektrik emphasizes the necessity of agricultural production planning suited to climate and infrastructure conditions.
Dicle Elektrik, which continues its operations with the aim of quality, uninterrupted and sustainable energy distribution, has stated that increasing unlicensed corn cultivation in the Southeastern Anatolia Region is straining energy infrastructure. It is reported that in Mardin and Şanlıurfa, where the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has banned second-crop corn cultivation due to water scarcity, producers are not complying with the ban, and irrigation is being conducted using unlicensed wells and illegal electricity.
Energy consumption at the level of a medium-sized city
According to Dicle Elektrik data, as of 2025, corn was cultivated over a total area of 1 million 647 thousand decares in Şanlıurfa and Mardin. Powerful motor pumps used for irrigation draw water from hundreds of meters below the surface. Irrigation of a 100-decare corn field requires an average of 130,000 kWh of electricity. This amount is equivalent to the monthly consumption of thousands of households.
"Wheat is irrigated 4 times, corn 9 times"
Dicle Elektrik General Manager Yaşar Arvas explained the technical and environmental reasons behind the ban as follows:
"In our region, wheat is irrigated 4 times, while this number rises to 8-9 for corn. While approximately 122,000 tons of water is required to irrigate 100 decares of corn land, this amount of water can irrigate 400 decares of wheat. Corn's high water and energy requirement places a heavy burden on the region's limited resources. This situation threatens energy balance not only at the regional level but also at the national scale."
Soya offers promise
Dicle Elektrik emphasizes the importance of shifting to products that consume less water and energy. Noting that soya trials conducted with 75 percent subsidy support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have yielded high productivity, Arvas stated that "soya is a more sustainable alternative requiring less water and energy."
Drought at worst level in 52 years
According to a June 2025 report from the Agricultural Reform General Directorate, only 1.7 mm of precipitation was recorded in the region; this amount is 80 percent below the long-year average. Precipitation during the 2024-2025 water year also remained 26 percent below normal, reaching the lowest level in the past 52 years. Days when temperatures in Şanlıurfa and Şırnak reached 49-50°C were recorded.
Illegal transformers pose growing risk
As of August 2025, 11,454 illegal transformers were detected. Of these, 7,049 were operated by persons without subscriptions, while 4,405 were operated by those with official subscriptions but using illegal electricity. The most illegal transformers, 6,416 units, were identified in Şanlıurfa.
"Sufficient" campaign
Dicle Elektrik is conducting not only inspection activities but also awareness-raising initiatives. Within the scope of the "Sufficient" social responsibility campaign, farmers are being provided with training, while in cooperation with Provincial National Education Directorates, children are being educated on water and energy efficiency awareness through theater performances, competitions and educational materials.
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