In the city, where farming is carried out for twelve months with its fertile soil and suitable climatic conditions, the variety of products is increasing day by day.
The city, which is a leader in vegetable and fruit production in Turkey, plays an important role in the production of tropical fruits as well as products such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, pomegranates and oranges. In the coastal areas of the city, especially in the districts of Alanya, Gazipaşa, Manavgat and Serik, many tropical fruits are grown, from mango to pineapple, from papaya to kumquat, from dragon fruit to passionflower.
Antalya Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Director Şakir Fırat Erkal said that the products grown in Antalya's fertile soil are sent both throughout the country and abroad.
Erkal explained that the highest production of many products is made in Antalya and that the city is also a pioneer in tropical fruits.
50 percent of bananas are in Antalya
Emphasizing that 50 percent of the bananas produced throughout Türkiye are grown in Antalya and that the production is carried out in a controlled manner with food supply security in mind, Erkal noted that the production volume has increased in line with demand.
Pointing out that both the increase and diversification of production prevent imports, Erkal said: “Foreign exchange does not go abroad, on the contrary, we ensure the inflow of foreign exchange by exporting the products we produce abroad.” he said.
Bananas and avocados are the most commonly grown
Şevki Öncel, CEO of a company that produces tropical fruits in Manavgat district, said that 40 types of tropical fruits such as bananas, avocados, mangoes, pineapples, papaya, carambola, passion flowers and guavas are grown on 700 hectares, 400 hectares of which are under greenhouses.
Stating that most bananas and avocados are produced there, Öncel explained that bananas are the most consumed in Turkey and around the world, followed by avocados.
Öncel stated that avocados are widely used in the health and cosmetics and food sectors, and that they can harvest bananas for 12 months, and that they harvest avocados, mangoes and other products at different times depending on the variety.
Öncel pointed out that interest in tropical products is increasing every year: “Domestic demand is quite high, consumption increases by 15 to 20 percent every year.” he said.
Öncel explained that their priority as a manufacturer is to meet the country's needs by preventing imports:
“Tropical fruits are imported, products that are brought to our country from abroad through logistical and financial means. This region also has a tropical climate. After learning the needs of the fruits, we thought that we could easily produce them here and started. As businessmen of our country, our first priority is to meet the needs of our country in our country and then produce more and compete with those who are doing well in the world. We are going this way.”
Bir yanıt yazın