Agricultural expansion in Turkey

Individual farmers in Turkey are expanding agricultural production through land reclamation and modern techniques.

In Kayseri, Anıl Araç expanded a family apple orchard to 1,200 decares by applying modern agricultural systems and trade knowledge. This expansion, supported by government subsidies and interest-free loans, has enabled an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons, with exports reaching 18 countries.

In Iğdır, Yener Aras converted 50 decares of barren land into an apricot orchard. Over 16 years, he grew the orchard from 100 trees to 700 trees, producing approximately 60 tons of the local ‘şalak’ apricot variety annually with support from local agricultural and university directorates.

Beyond fruit production, the Iğdır region is seeing increased diversification through multiple harvest cycles following the wheat season. There has been a notable rise in the production of kale and cauliflower over the last two years. Local producers, such as Cüneyt Açkan, report that these crops are now grown locally rather than being sourced from neighboring provinces, allowing for direct distribution to retailers to reduce intermediary costs. This shift is also driving local employment, with some operations providing daily jobs for roughly 20 workers, including significant participation from women.