Altınova farmers produce melons without using irrigation water

In Altınova village, located in the Evciler district of Afyonkarahisar, farmers are producing melons without using a single drop of irrigation water. Utilizing ancestral seeds and the natural moisture of the local soil, the cultivation method relies on the region's unique microclimate and soil structure.

Village headman Mehmet Ali Karagöz noted that the melons must not be watered, as any irrigation would cause them to lose their distinct aroma and honey-like sweetness. Due to high demand, consumers have been forming long queues to purchase the fruit.

Local producers, including Halil Çetin, are now calling for a geographical indication to protect and certify the melon as a regional heritage, arguing that the specific flavor cannot be replicated in other locations.