Turkey agricultural producers diversify with walnut and grape cultivation

Agricultural producers across various regions of Turkey are increasingly turning to walnut cultivation and alternative crops to diversify income and mitigate risks from climate-related issues like frost.

In Malatya’s Darende district, farmers are utilizing walnuts as a financial safeguard against the volatility of apricot production, which is often damaged by spring frosts. Similarly, in Niksar, the harvest of geographically indicated walnuts has begun with high expectations for yield and quality following previous weather challenges. In Kırşehir’s Kaman district, walnut production remains a vital economic pillar, with significant acreage dedicated to the crop.

In Trabzon, producers are shifting away from traditional hazelnut farming toward other options. In the Ağasar region, a retired forest engineer is successfully harvesting walnuts as an alternative to hazelnuts. In Ortahisar, a health worker has converted an idle hazelnut orchard into an Isabella grape vineyard with 60 percent government support, aiming for a 6-ton yield at full capacity.

Separately, in Adana’s Kozan district, 86-year-old Bayram Ersin has gained local attention for his disciplined lifestyle, walking 8 kilometers daily to visit a local coffeehouse, a routine he attributes to his healthy diet and consistent physical activity.