In the Organized Industrial Zone, Batman Governor Ekrem Canalp visited the greenhouse of a firm specializing in soilless smart farming with LED technology. Governor Canalp visited the facility that utilizes modern agricultural methods and was briefed on the production processes by company owner Metin Basak and his team of experts.
According to Basak, they cultivate basil over an area of 1,100 square meters with the help of a team comprising 20 individuals. He noted that their focus is on medicinal and aromatic plants with high value addition, and they create a variety of products from basil, including jam, milk jam, pesto sauce, and basil syrup. It is anticipated that this investment in the Batman Organized Industrial Zone will yield considerable long-term benefits for the regional economy via modern agricultural practices.
While inspecting, Governor Canalp highlighted the planned Greenhouse City projects in Batman and underlined that the current greenhouse serves as a model, stating: "This area is approximately 1,000 square meters of greenhouse space. We are setting up our first Greenhouse City this year across an area of 110 hectares. We will construct new Greenhouse Cities on 2300 hectares next year. There will be a production capacity serving Batman that is 24,000 times greater than the structure shown here."
Governor Canalp noted that every Greenhouse City will create jobs for 2,000 individuals and emphasized the project's significance, particularly regarding women's employment. He mentioned that new job opportunities will arise where women can add to their family budgets through full-time or flexible work options. According to Canalp, the key characteristic of the soilless production system is that it automatically transfers essential nutrients to water pools, from which plants draw nourishment through their roots. He added that production can remain uninterrupted even during times of reduced product supply in the market. He therefore stated that the products have a greater economic value.
Canalp added: "At present, the largest greenhouse city area in Turkey measures 800 hectares. Upon completion of our project, Turkey's largest Greenhouse City will be created in Batman, covering an area of 2.400 hectares." He highlighted that this extensive initiative spans both sides of the Batman River and will enhance the province's economic prosperity and add value.
Governor Canalp also highlighted the importance of economies of scale in his speech. He noted that productivity rises with the expansion of the production area, and while small areas necessitate a large workforce, large-scale production can achieve greater efficiency with fewer workers. He stated that in the forthcoming Greenhouse Cities, areas will be designated for investors according to their scale requirements, thereby optimizing productivity benefits.
Source: Batman Burada
