Turkey sunflower harvest begins with expected yield increases

Sunflower harvesting has commenced in several Turkish regions, with reports indicating a significant increase in yields due to favorable weather conditions. In the Yeşilhisar district of Kayseri, located at the foot of Mount Erciyes, producers expect a 25 percent increase in yield compared to last year, which suffered from frost, drought, and fungal diseases. Local farmers report that approximately 28,000 decares of sunflower have been planted, with an expected total production of around 9,000 tons. The harvested seeds are primarily destined for domestic markets and export, particularly to Syria.

Similarly, in Gümüşhane, efforts to diversify agricultural production through snack sunflower seed cultivation are showing promise. In the Söğütlü municipality, production area has expanded to approximately 200 decares. Local authorities expect a harvest of roughly 60 tons by the end of the season. This initiative aims to revitalize agricultural production in the Kelkit Basin by utilizing the region's specific climate and soil characteristics to provide alternative income sources for local producers.