A grower, which started tomato production in Sivas last year, started exporting this year. The company, which exports 90 % of its production, also proved that quality products can be grown in the cold of minus 30 degrees. Sami Aydin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, said, "Despite the cold of minus 30s in winter, the yield is good. This success will attract others to this region and show that tomato production can be carried out in cold regions."
Tomatoes of different types are produced in the geothermal greenhouse, which was established on a 60-decare land on a 40-decare indoor glass area in the Hot Cermik Thermal Tourism Zone, 24 kilometers from the city center. Established with an investment of approximately 2.1 million USD, 50 women are employed in the greenhouse. The greenhouse is equipped with a production automation system. Monthly production is 150 tons, with the target set to increase this figure up to 300 tons in the summer. 90% of the tomatoes produced in the facilities with an annual production capacity of 2,300 tons are exported to European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Romania.
Stating that they made the first production in the geothermal greenhouse last year and got successful results, Sivas former Mayor Sami Aydin made the following statements to Aydinlik: "This is our second year, and we continue on our way by gaining experience. It has been an innovation for Sivas, and we provide a soilless modern greenhouse and geothermal heating. We are very happy to successfully establish such a modern greenhouse in Sivas."
Expressing that there are those who are concerned about the idea of growing tomatoes in Sivas, which is known for its cold weather, Aydin stated that they broke this perception in the first year and said: "I hope we can see a few more greenhouses like this in Sivas in a few years. We will also have new investments. Our country needs to produce and export. In this sense, it is a source of pride for us to be a pioneer. We fulfill the demands of the customers in Sivas. We provide them with our products quickly. Our fellow citizens from Sivas also eat tomatoes produced in their own hometown. We send our exports to Europe on a regular basis. We don't have a problem with finding a market for our products. We made a good start. Hopefully, it will continue this way."
Sami Aydin finally said the following about the production: "Normally, this type of investment would be made in warm regions. Based on the experiment we went through, we came to the conclusion that such investments could also be made in Central Anatolian provinces and would be even more productive. We saw by experience that if there is a light sun and a desired temperature inside, it is sufficient. The temperature, which reaches 30 degrees during the day, does not harm the tomato even though it drops to 12-15 degrees at night. On the contrary, it gives the opportunity to breathe and provides a better aroma. Since the humidity and temperature are high in the Aegean and Mediterranean, planting cannot be done between June and August. On the contrary, in this region, we can plant and harvest for 12 months. This is a big advantage. Since we heat with geothermal, our source is solid and efficient. We are considering expanding our investments with the experience we have gained."
Source: Aydınlık