In Ordu on the Black Sea coast, Turkish growers are delighted with their strawberry crop; Ordu Food, Agriculture and Livestock Director Kemal Yilmaz explains that 230 decares are planted with the fruit and over 500 tons are grown annually, a large proportion of which are sold before they have even reached the market.
Just five years ago in Ordu, only 11 decares of field were planted with strawberry crops, this year 230 decares are being cultivated. The crop was planted as a supplementary to hazelnut cultivation and has become an important source of income. Yilmaz explains that with support from the municipality, strawberry growing is becoming more popular every year, because of high demand for the fruit, a significant proportion is sold directly from the fields circumventing the market.
In coastal areas, as well as areas of 1,500 metres altitude, strawberry growing for tourists is generating important economic gains, Yilmaz reports “Strawberry growing makes a very significant contribution in our province. I want to thank the municipality for their support. Their contributions further increase cultivation. İn the high altitude areas strawberry growing can take place till the snow falls. Now it is snowing there is no production but in the coastal areas with no snow, strawberries are still being picked. Domestic and foreign tourists pick the strawberries straight from the fields, meaning they are sold easily without even being taken to market.”
Yilmaz added that manufacturers will continue to grow the product as an additional revenue to hazelnuts, because of strong demand for strawberry farming they will work in consultation with the municipality to provide resources next year.
Source: aktifhaber.com