In Turkey, the agricultural sector is experiencing a diversification with an increase in tropical fruit cultivation. Mustafa Akdogan, a farmer in the Erdemli district of Mersin, has successfully cultivated passiflora, known as passion fruit, after relocating from Hatay and establishing a 12-acre experimental garden. Initially, passion fruit seedlings were planted on 8 acres, which has since expanded due to promising results. Akdogan now conducts daily harvests, selling the fruit for ₺100 to ₺125 per kilogram. The venture has attracted customers who enjoy picking the fruit directly from the garden.
Across Turkey, regions such as Antalya, Mersin, and Alanya are becoming centres for tropical and subtropical fruit production, including avocados, mangoes, dragon fruit, guava, and papaya. The cultivation of these fruits benefits from the Mediterranean climate. Notably, avocado farming in Alanya has expanded from 250 acres to 16,500 acres over 12 years. The booming tropical fruit industry has enhanced Turkey's agricultural exports, further contributing to economic growth.
However, the expansion of tropical fruit cultivation has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage amidst Turkey's drought conditions. The intensive water needs for crops like mango and avocado are depleting underground water resources, posing sustainability issues. Despite these challenges, Turkey's export market for tropical fruits and fruit juices is on the rise, with significant growth in the United States, the Netherlands, and Italy. Sustainable farming practices and water management are essential for the continued growth of this sector.
Source: turkiyetoday.com