In Adana, citrus orchards were flooded after heavy rains. After the water drained a bit, farmers started to harvest mandarins. Farmers used small boats to collect their products. Farmer Halil Simsek said: "The State needs to give us motor-pumps, otherwise the water won't be drained until April. I have damages of 250-300 thousand Lira (41 to 50 thousand Euro) in 6 hectares."
It rained for weeks in Adana, and the Seyhan Dam reached a high level. In order to decrease the level of water, the dam gates were opened and this caused many fields to flood. The Tabaklar neighborhood, which is located in Adana's Tuzla district, had difficulties in harvesting mandarins. Farmers emphasized that they need help from the state.
Halil Simsek, owner of a citrus orchard and a farmer, said that they were unable to get a high productivity for the last three years because of floods. "The State gave us 3 motor-pumps, but this is not enough. We need an extra three of these to be able to deal with this situation."
Harvest continues by boat
Simsek stated that they work under difficult conditions and collect 200 to 300 kilograms of mandarins a day. "If we don't get motor-pumps in time, the water will be drained by April. If we wait until then, our trees will be dead." Simsek said.
"We sell these fruits for 2 Lira (0,34 Euro) per kilo, which is very cheap. However, markets sell these for 5 Lira (0,84 Euro). People don't buy mandarins because they are not affordable for many people." Simsek added.
Source: TGRT Haber