Bean production with heirloom seeds in Yozgat
Harvesting has begun for the green beans known as "Araplı beans," which are grown from century-old heirloom seeds in the Sorgun district of Yozgat.
In the town of Araplı, part of Sorgun, these beans, which are cultivated completely naturally and organically, have made their way to the market. The beans, grown in the fertile soils of the town, are favored in the Central Anatolia region for their bone-free quality and unique taste. Produced annually, Araplı beans are sold at the local market in Sorgun for between 60-65 lira. Their reputation also attracts interest from expatriates visiting the district during the summer months.
Nearly 70% of the town’s population relies on this bean for their livelihood.
Farmer Lokman Atıl, who has been producing beans from heirloom seeds for 26 years, said, "When we talk about Araplı beans, we think of heirloom seeds. They are produced with traditional methods and are completely natural and organic. Nearly 70% of the people in our town rely on these beans for their income. Initially, the beans were sold for 80 lira in the first weeks of the market, but now the price is 60 lira. Previously, we used to get 150-200 kilograms per decare, but now, due to changing climates, yields have dropped to around 50 kilograms. The climate has had a significant impact on Araplı beans. Harvesting used to take about 8 weeks, but now we can only harvest for 4-5 weeks. Since these beans are produced from heirloom seeds, we request that they be protected by the authorities.”
