Lavender harvest begins in Akçadağ, Malatya

In the Akçadağ district of Malatya, lavender harvesting has commenced under intense heat. The Önal family, who transitioned to lavender production four years ago using their own resources, is currently managing the harvest despite challenging weather conditions.

Producer İlhan Önal noted that while the business provides some income, they have not received government support to date. The family expressed a desire to transform the area into a tourism destination, requesting local authorities to install amenities such as a children's playground and gazebos to attract visitors from Malatya and surrounding districts.

Additionally, producers are facing market challenges due to competition from low-quality, blended oils. While the Önal family produces 100% pure and natural lavender oil, they struggle to compete on price with mixed products and face difficulties in securing wholesale buyers, relying instead on retail sales.