Retired physician turns to pistachio farming in Malatya

Ali Yücel Takmaz, a retired family physician, has returned to his village in the Hekimhan district of Malatya to pursue agricultural production. In the Başkavak neighborhood, efforts are underway to diversify local crops by introducing pistachio, almond, and walnut production as alternatives to the region's traditional apricot cultivation.

Takmaz noted that the natural structure of Başkavak shows significant potential for pistachio cultivation. His research revealed that pistachio trees grafted 60 to 70 years ago in the area are still yielding fruit. Consequently, work has begun to transform naturally occurring menengiç trees into pistachio trees through grafting.

Some two-year-old saplings are currently being monitored, with the goal of harvesting the first products next year if conditions remain favorable. To expand this production, Takmaz emphasized the need for more effective use of water resources and the provision of technical agricultural support to local producers.