Doğanşehir begins apple harvest amid yield and pricing concerns

Apple harvesting has commenced in the Doğanşehir district of Malatya. Local authorities, including District Governor Ahmet Fatih Sungur, have joined producers in the fields to mark the start of the season.

Production estimates vary between reports, with one source projecting approximately 16,549 tons based on cultivation across 6,017 decares, while the Doğanşehir Chamber of Agriculture expects a yield of roughly 20,000 tons. The region produces four varieties: Golden, Star, Granny Smith, and Misket. While the quality and aroma of this year's crop are reported to be high due to a lack of pests and black spots, producers face significant economic challenges.

Key issues include low purchase prices—with juice-grade apples at 2.5 lira per kilogram and table apples at 10 lira—and a lack of sufficient cold storage capacity, forcing farmers to sell directly to the market. To combat these issues and promote the local industry, Doğanşehir Mayor Mehmet Bayram announced that an application for a geographical indication certification has been submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office to brand and protect the local apple variety.