Türkiye Secures €757 Million from World Bank to Modernize Irrigation Infrastructure

Türkiye has secured €757.1 million in new financing from the World Bank to overhaul and modernize its aging irrigation infrastructure, a move seen as critical for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food supply stability.

The funding was approved under the “Türkiye Irrigation Modernization-2 Project”, coordinated by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. The funds, backed by a sovereign guarantee, will be transferred to the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), the agency responsible for executing the project across various agricultural basins.

This second round of financing follows a previous €317.3 million tranche, bringing Türkiye’s total World Bank-backed irrigation investments to over €1 billion.

A National Push for Agricultural Efficiency and Resilience

The Türkiye Irrigation Modernization-2 Project aims to improve the efficiency of water delivery, upgrade regional irrigation networks, strengthen the institutional capacity of local water unions, and lay the foundation for a long-term national irrigation strategy.

These measures are designed to address the country’s growing need for sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change challenges and rising food demand.

Minister Şimşek: “A Strategic Step for Food Security”

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, calling it a “crucial step” for ensuring food supply security and price stability:

“Our partnership with the World Bank in rural development has already delivered important results,” Şimşek said. “With this new financing, in alignment with our Medium-Term Economic Program, we’re prioritizing infrastructure investments that support agricultural output and safeguard the sustainability of food systems.”

He added, “Our goal is to maximize Türkiye’s agricultural potential and ensure that we maintain stable food prices while guaranteeing long-term food security. As the Ministry, we remain committed to strengthening our cooperation with international institutions.”

A Milestone in Türkiye’s Sustainable Growth Vision

The project is considered a key element of Türkiye’s broader strategy to modernize its rural infrastructure and prepare for future agricultural demands. As the government ramps up international collaborations, the World Bank’s support reinforces Türkiye’s position as a growing force in sustainable food production and resilient farming systems.