Muğla begins harvest of regional Yayla melons and heirloom vegetables

Harvesting has begun for the regional Yayla melon and vegetables grown from heirloom (Ata) seeds in the Menteşe district of Muğla, specifically in the Karabağlar Plateau. The harvest was attended by Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Seyfettin Baydar and technical teams.

Yayla melon is cultivated on approximately 400 decares across the Karabağlar Plateau and the neighborhoods of Düğerek, Ortaköy, and Orhaniye. The production process is notable for being irrigation-free, with local varieties including Paris, Pıtraklı, and Hırsız Almaz. These melons typically weigh between 3 and 4 kilograms and are primarily consumed during the winter months.

As part of the Ata Vegetable Project, the Ministry provides support to producers through seedlings and seeds. In 2026, 500,000 seedlings and 40 kilograms of heirloom seeds were distributed to 500 producers with a 75 percent Ministry grant. These efforts aim to protect local seeds, increase production diversity, and support sustainable agriculture.