Mersin Metropolitan Municipality's fig sapling support for farmers
The Agricultural Services Directorate of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality organized a "Fig Sapling Distribution Ceremony" as part of its contributions to agricultural production. The ceremony, which aimed to increase the variety and productivity of figs, create alternative products in agriculture, increase the number of closed fig orchards, and promote fig cultivation to achieve high yield and quality fruits while raising the income levels of producers, distributed a total of 14,654 fig saplings with a 50% grant to 478 farmers in 13 districts.
The project, initiated to boost the production of the endemic fig varieties 'Tarsus Black' and 'Mut White,' increase their yield, and make them suitable for export, aims to elevate Mersin to the top position in fig production in Turkey.
Hasan Özdemir, an Agricultural Engineer and Head of the Agricultural Services Department, highlighted the strategic importance of figs for Mersin, especially Tarsus. The project focused on supporting the production of 'Tarsus Black' figs to enhance their recognition. Özdemir emphasized the early ripening characteristic of 'Tarsus Black,' making it a high-potential export variety due to its earlier market availability compared to other varieties.
The project, designed to increase the production, development, and yield of 'Tarsus Black,' aims to make Mersin the top producer of figs in Turkey. Özdemir stated that the support provided for fig production was essential for the sustainable success of the sector.
While 'Tarsus Black' targets the international market, white figs, particularly 'W. Murcott' and 'Nova,' focus on the domestic market. Özdemir mentioned the importance of sustainable interest in figs for long-term success.
Hakan Aykut, a Agricultural Technician at the Agricultural Services Directorate, highlighted the distribution of fig saplings across various districts to expand fig cultivation. He acknowledged the positive impact of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality's support, noting that the increased production areas contributed to the drying and extended preservation of figs, expanding the sales portfolios for farmers.
A fig farmer, Derya Akın, expressed gratitude for the support received from the municipality, stating that the assistance provided a slight relief for producers. Akın, who is planning to plant figs for her grandchildren's future, emphasized the need for increased support.
Another beneficiary of the fig sapling support, Ali Soydan, expressed his appreciation for such agricultural initiatives and hoped for their continuation. Soydan, who plans to start fig cultivation for trade, mentioned an increased production capacity with the support received.