Lavender harvesting has begun in the purple fields of Kocaeli

"Harvesting of Lavenders Grown by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Begins"

The harvesting of lavenders grown by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality to encourage the cultivation of high-value medicinal and aromatic plants has begun.

As part of the "Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation Project" (TABİP), which aims to increase farmers' income and support agricultural development, the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality has facilitated the planting of 5 million medicinal and aromatic plants over approximately 1,140 decares of land in the first phase. The initial harvest of the lavenders grown under this project has now started. TABİP, which is one of Kocaeli’s most important rural development initiatives and highly valued by Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, supports the cultivation of high-value rosemary, medicinal mint, lavender, and oregano. The project also aims to halt rural-to-urban migration and encourage a return to rural areas, while providing employment opportunities for female farmers.

"High-Value Essential Oils Extracted from Lavender Flowers"

In the Tahtalı District of Derince, the harvesting of lavender flowers from İbrahim Turan's 13-decare field is carried out by female personnel employed by the municipality. The harvest is done using a trailer-mounted aromatic plant harvesting machine designed and produced entirely with national and local resources. High-value essential oils are extracted from the harvested lavender flowers at the Metropolitan Municipality’s Extraction and Distillation Center. These oils are used in the cosmetics and cleaning industries, as well as in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Lavender, known for its pain-relieving, calming, and insomnia-relieving properties, is also used in aromatherapy and consumed as tea.

"Planted Areas Insured"

Under the supervision of Sekapark AŞ, all agricultural activities, certification processes, training, and field applications for five production years are carried out in compliance with international organic plant certification standards. Annual crop insurance policies for the planted areas are covered by Sekapark AŞ. The municipality’s agricultural engineers and Sekapark AŞ’s technical team conduct necessary checks on the planting fields and provide technical consultancy to farmers. The project guarantees purchase for the farmers' products.

"Lavender and Rosemary are More Profitable"

Ibrahim Turan, a producer from Derince who is harvesting lavender on his field, said that by participating in the TABİP project, he has cultivated lavender on 13 decares and rosemary on 22 decares, achieving the best yield this year. He expressed satisfaction with cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants, stating, "Previously, we grew barley, wheat, and corn. With the support of the metropolitan municipality, I got acquainted with the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation Project. Lavender and rosemary are more profitable products. Moreover, there is a guaranteed purchase. We can sell our products profitably without any losses. High-value products have adapted well to our region. I recommend these products to other producers. More of these should be cultivated. I hope for increased support. I thank Kocaeli Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Büyükakın for his support."