Thanks to the support program of the General Directorate of Forestry, three growers in the Uctepe neighborhood of Imamoglu district in Adana have begun production by setting up greenhouses. These young growers monitor for the risk of frost damage while also earning money from tomato harvesting. This initiative was put in place to stop young people from leaving the village for the city and to maintain their involvement in agriculture.
According to Ali Sahin, the head of Uctepe neighborhood, three greenhouses have been set up with grants and low-interest loans from ORKOY (Rural Development Project), resulting in the employment of young people in the village. Sahin stated that the initial harvest has been finished and that measures are being taken to avert outward migration from the villages. By demonstrating the feasibility of greenhouse farming in the area, this project acts as a model for other farmers.
Ahmet Colak, one of the greenhouse owners, mentioned that he had planted 2,000 tomato seedlings in his state-supported greenhouse on a 1,000 square meter plot and collected 150-200 kilograms of tomatoes during the initial harvest. Colak stressed that the greenhouse had a cost of 15.000 USD, with 12.500 USD being covered by a grant and a zero-interest loan from ORKOY (Rural Development Project). He clarified that at first, residents expressed skepticism by saying, "A greenhouse wouldn't work here," but he achieved success and collaborated with his friends.
Another young grower, Omer Simsek, expressed that ORKOY support transformed his life and that pursuing his own business in the village was more sensible than earning a minimum wage in the city. Simsek mentioned that greenhouse farming could produce an income of 7.500 to 10.000 USD per season and 20.000 USD annually with two crops, recommending this venture to his peers. He added that, despite needing to be cautious of frost damage from the cold weather, tomatoes are selling for 1.75 USD per kg and production is ongoing.
Source: Saray Medya
