Saimbeyli farmer achieves first raspberry harvest in Adana

In the Saimbeyli district of Adana, farmer Melahat Durmuşoğlu has successfully completed the region's first raspberry harvest. The cultivation began following the “Üreten Kınalı Eller” project by the District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, which provides technical support and training to female farmers. The Saimbeyli Municipality also assisted with the initial preparation of the garden located in Gürleşen Neighborhood at an altitude of 820 meters.

Durmuşoğlu reports harvesting approximately 40 kilograms of raspberries every two days. To prevent waste, she processes the fruit into value-added products such as jam and fruit leather (pestil). The raspberries are currently being sold for 500 Turkish Liras per kilogram in the Saimbeyli and Tufanbeyli markets.

Following the unexpectedly high yields, which surprised local agricultural experts, Durmuşoğlu expressed her desire to see raspberry cultivation expand in the region alongside existing crops like sumac, cherry, and quince, with the long-term goal of reaching export markets.