Harvesting has begun for the "Kilis Rooster Black" grape variety, known as Kilis Karası and closely associated with the city's name.
The price of grapes is 16 TL per kilogram at the field and 40 TL or more in markets.
In Kilis, a border town and one of Turkey's important viticulture regions, harvesting of the "Kilis Rooster Black" grape variety began under scorching temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius. The price of the harvested grapes is 16 TL per kilogram in the field, while in markets it is sold for 40 TL and above. Some grape producers are considering drying their grapes due to low prices, while it has been reported that drought and disasters have led to a reduced yield in Musabeyli district and its villages, where this grape variety is more widely grown.
“Kilis Rooster Black Shouldn't Be Forgotten”
Güven Özdemir, Chairman of the Kilis Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, mentioned that harvesting has begun under the intense 42-degree heat in Kilis, a border town with Syria. He noted that due to climatic conditions, the reduced grape yield might lead to higher prices. Özdemir stated, "In Kilis, which is located on the border with Syria, we produce grapes on 160,000 decares of land. This year, as is the case across Turkey, the yield in Kilis is very low, and our price expectations are high. Last year, grape producers suffered losses. Farmers have had the worst harvests this year and have faced losses across all products. Crops such as eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and pistachios grown in this region are also facing damage. While harvested grapes are being sold for 16 TL in the field and 40 TL or more in markets, we expect dried grapes to reach 200 TL.”
"Harvesting Under Scorching Heat"
Producer Mustafa Aytekin mentioned that they start their work at dawn and harvest grapes in 42-degree temperatures, saying, "We head to the fields early in the morning and work under 42 degrees, but we are not getting the returns for our labor. This year, the declared price of harvested grapes is 16 TL, which does not even cover our costs. As grape producers, we expect the price to be 20 TL, and the very low grape prices are a significant issue for us. The harvest has just begun, and if prices do not rise, it will be a problem."