Kocaeli municipality harvests 41 medical and aromatic plant species

The Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, together with Kocaeli University, completed the 2024 harvest of the TABİP (Medical and Aromatic Plant Cultivation) project. The 100‑decare research and production area at the Arslanbey campus yielded 41 different species, including rosemary, thyme, melissa, mint and lavender. Female workers carried out the harvest, after which the plants were processed at the municipality‑linked SEKA Park AŞ distillation plant. Steam distillation produced essential oils and hydrosols that are marketed under the Ormanya brand for aromatherapy and cosmetics. The project aims to support rural development, diversify agricultural production and serve as a model for similar initiatives across Turkey, linking scientific research with practical farming and education.