Turkey sees rise in high-value agricultural production

saffron cultivation high-value agriculture Turkish agriculture smart farming rural development

Various regions in Turkey are experiencing a shift toward high-value agricultural products, driven by government support and technological innovation. In Hakkari's Yüksekova district, Kerim Erişmiş transitioned from retail to saffron cultivation following advice from a relative. Utilizing support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Erişmiş expanded his production from 200 square meters to 2 decares, harvesting a spice that can reach market prices of up to 1 million TL per kilogram.

In Karabük, Cihan Saymaz is integrating technology into saffron farming by using smart sensors and data analytics to manage irrigation and fertilization. His high-quality production, which undergoes analysis in Italy, has seen a significant increase in demand and export potential. Meanwhile, in Konya, Mert Pektaş is utilizing soil-less farming methods to cultivate saffron, reducing the need for large land areas and minimizing pest control issues.

Other notable agricultural developments include the production of Afşin Koçovası garlic in Kahramanmaraş, a geographically indicated product, and the emergence of raspberry cultivation in Adana's Saimbeyli district. In Sinop, Esra Yıldırım has successfully launched a beekeeping business through the Rural Disadvantaged Areas Development Project (KDAKP), managing 350 hives with government grants.

Entities

Cihan Saymaz · Diyarbakır · Emre Koç · Esra Yıldırım · Istanbul · Kerim Erişmiş · Mert Pektaş · Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry · Turkish Red Crescent · Ömür Akkor

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