Greenhouse production is gaining more strategic importance in the world after the coronavirus underlined the importance of agricultural production for countries in order to be self-sufficient during crisis times. Turkey has been regarding greenhouse production as a strategic issue for a while. The Ministry of Treasury is providing low-cost loans to the growers and entrepreneurs to set up or expand their greenhouses. So far, 500 million USD worth of low-cost loans has been allocated to the applicants.
Greenhouse production in Turkey is also regarded as a viable investment option for foreign investors. Six investment groups originating from the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are in discussions with the Greenhouse Constructors Association in Turkey for greenhouse investments which might total up to 600 million USD. Of those, two investment groups were particularly exploring greenhouse production in Sanliurfa whereas the others are assessing alternative cities such as Usak, Kutahya, Afyon, and Izmir.
Currently, there are 714,000 greenhouses in Turkey. These are mostly greenhouses with nylon covers. The glass greenhouses in the country are only 1,100 hectares. Geothermal energy is used in 400 hectares of these glass greenhouses.
Source: Sabah