Forestry and Water Affairs Minister, Veysel Eroglu, reports that the ministry is preparing an action plan to establish blueberry orchards in the Black Sea Region up to 2019. The plan also aims to increase the diversity of agricultural products grown in the region.
120,000 seedlings to be distributed
The action plan aims to generate more revenue for the farmers, ''As part of the plan this year 60 decares have been planted, in 2017, 240 decares will be planted, in 2018- 550 decares, in 2019 a total of 2,000 decares will have been planted,’’ said Eroglu.
In Trabzon and Rize 400,000 blueberry seedling are being produced at a nursery, 120,000 of these will be distributed to growers.
Eroglu emphasised the potential of wild blueberry growing in the region, ''Livelihood from agriculture in the region will be ensured by providing the necessary infrastructure support for increasing the production and processing potential of our villagers. Existing wild blueberry fields will be rehabilitated in Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Rize and Trabzon," he said.
Diversifying agriculture
The region’s university is performing research into expanding the agricultural product range. According to Eroglu, the aim of this isn’t just to increase economic income, but also to create a greener, cleaner environment for citizens.
Source: trthaber.com
