Malatya Province Current Situation Analysis Summary

Before the 2023 earthquake, Malatya province had a priority position in agriculture in the areas of field crops and fruit production. Apricot cultivation in particular is one of the products that form the backbone of regional agricultural exports. The agricultural structure has a diversified profile including small-scale family livestock enterprises, cereal cultivation, fodder crops and various fruits and vegetables. Aquaculture, beekeeping and poultry farming complete the agricultural activities; rural infrastructure including irrigation systems and agricultural equipment shows varying levels of modernity.

Effects of the Earthquake on Rural Life and Agricultural Production

Although quantitative production data for 2023–2024 do not show major declines attributable solely to the earthquake, qualitative findings and consultations with stakeholders reveal that significant local effects occurred. The earthquake disproportionately affected small farmers, especially those whose homes and animal shelters were together and many of which were partially or completely destroyed. Loss of animal shelters, feed and production tools and inputs caused major problems in livestock farming; damage to storage facilities, irrigation infrastructure and agricultural machinery increased vulnerability.

The temporary displacement of farming families reduced the available workforce and increased dependence on relatives or tenants to continue land cultivation. Due to damage to processing and transport infrastructure, disruptions occurred in market chains, especially for perishable livestock products such as milk and eggs.

Agricultural Industry and Sectoral Structure

Agro-industry in Malatya is predominantly focused on the fruit processing and packaging sector. Global leadership in dried apricot production is one of the main pillars of the provincial economy. The fruit sector continues to diversify with apples, grapes, mulberries and other fruits. The livestock sector is growing steadily with the modernisation of existing facilities and increased state support. Poultry and beekeeping also show rapid development trends.

Key Issues and Support Mechanisms

Focus group discussions and farmer surveys reveal that many agricultural structures in both the city centre and rural areas of Malatya were partially or fully damaged. Significant damage has been reported in agricultural product storage facilities, livestock shelters and buildings housing agricultural tools and machinery. After the earthquake, many farming families moved temporarily to other provinces, but agricultural activities have largely continued through rental agreements or with the support of relatives who remained in the region.

Farmers have highlighted key issues such as difficulties in accessing labour, disruptions in seed and fertiliser supply, damage to irrigation infrastructure, loss of agricultural equipment and machinery, destruction of animal shelters, damage to storage and packaging facilities and loss of buyers.

Recovery Dynamics and Future Priorities

Livestock was one of the sectors directly affected by the earthquake; dairy producers in particular faced production and marketing difficulties due to damage to processing infrastructure. The relatively rapid recovery of crop production has been linked to a significant proportion of farmers having off-farm income sources. In Malatya, agriculture is still largely carried out with labour consisting of seasonal workers from neighbouring provinces and persons under temporary protection.

After the earthquake, producer associations and cooperatives have played an active role in meeting the emergency needs of farmers and coordinating support services. Provincial and District Directorates of Agriculture and Chambers of Agriculture have applied Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agricultural pest control; support has been given to biocontrol methods in some areas.

Farmers have stated that dependence on intermediaries, high input costs, labour shortage and difficulties in accessing markets are their most urgent problems. A strong need for training in marketing, e-commerce, packaging, branding and financial literacy has been expressed. It has also been emphasised that improving the communication skills of public officials would contribute to more effective and timely resolution of local issues.

Malatya’s dependence of its agricultural economy on fruit growing and field crops increases its vulnerability to climate-related risks. Climate-resilient transformation, water efficiency, crop diversification and building digital capacity for e-commerce and marketing stand out as critical strategic priorities to reduce risks and rebuild rural livelihoods.