Yusuf Uzunlar, president of the Ordu Kiwi Producers' Association, said that producers have noticed that kiwis are a profitable business and have started to plant kiwi saplings. So far, according to Uzunlar, farmers harvested 15 tons of kiwi and earned 50 thousand Turkish Lira (8 thousand 400 Euro).
Uzunlar pointed out the importance of a special and timely winter care for kiwis which would increase the quantity and the quality of the product.
Stating that they have completed pruning, Uzunlar said that currently they apply fertilizer. He pointed out to the importance of organic fertilizers and said: "Chemical fertilizers change the taste of kiwis and decrease productivity. We advise our producers to use organic fertilizers (from cows or sheep) and to run a soil analysis before using fertilizers. Based on this analysis, they should start fertilizing their soil."
He went on to say: "Kiwis come after hazelnuts in our city and it is a high-value product. Farmers saw the opportunity and started to grow kiwis. In a field of 0,5 hectare, 15 tons of kiwis are collected. Farmers are content with the revenue. Besides, it is an added value for Ordu's economy. Yalova is the largest producer of kiwis in Turkey, followed by Ordu and Rize."
Uzunlar mentioned that there are no problems in marketing kiwis. Finally, he warned producers against agricultural frost and that they need to insure their lands.
Source: Hurriyet