In Şanlıurfa's Harran Plain, farmers have commenced the harvest of peanuts, cultivated as an alternative product.
The farmer, who yielded approximately 500 kilograms of product per decare, was content.
In the fertile Harran Plain, farmers are increasingly shifting towards high-yield crops that demand less fertilizer and water while eliminating the need for pesticides. The harvest season for peanuts, initially introduced to the region in 2020, is now underway. The impressive yield of peanuts, efficiently harvested by combine harvesters, has brought joy to the farmers. A farmer, who manages to produce 500 kilograms of peanuts per decare, noted that the cultivation area for this drought-resistant product with economical input costs is expanding day by day.
Stating that they have been cultivating peanuts in the region for three years, farmer Halil Bile remarked, “Currently, traditional crops like cotton, corn, and wheat dominate the region. However, peanuts, a relatively new addition, are gaining popularity. We highly recommend peanuts due to their superior efficiency and lower input costs compared to other crops. From water consumption to labor and medication, peanuts prove to be significantly more cost-effective than cotton. Labor requirements are also minimal, and our farmers are increasingly turning to crops with low input costs and high returns. Particularly in this period, peanuts stand out as the best option, and we strongly recommend them. We initiated peanut cultivation about three years ago, introducing it to the region. We were pioneers in this endeavor, introducing modern practices such as the use of combine harvesters. Now, not only our neighbors but also surrounding villages are adopting peanut cultivation. It boasts a high yield, commands a favorable price, and, as I mentioned, holds aesthetic appeal compared to other industrial crops."
Agricultural Engineer Mehmet Tekçe, employed at the Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, also conducted an inspection of the recently harvested peanuts. Tekçe highlighted the increasing prevalence of peanut production, stating, “In the past, when there was a water shortage in the Harran Plain region, we were limited to cultivating only one crop a year, mainly barley. However, with the introduction of water into the plain, we can now cultivate two crops annually. In this specific area, following the cultivation of cumin, a farmer opted for peanuts as the second crop. After conducting tests, we achieved a higher yield per decare than anticipated. While the typical peanut yield in Osmaniye is around 300 kilos per acre, here in Harran Plain, we obtained an impressive 500 kilos per acre. Peanuts offer several advantages in terms of inputs. To elaborate, they require minimal fertilizer, entail reduced labor, demand less irrigation compared to cotton, and ultimately prove to be a more lucrative venture. In an experiment conducted by the provincial directorate of agriculture involving 10 farmers in 3 villages, we attained results surpassing our expectations. Our objective for the coming year is to increase the number of participating farmers to 100.”