The Fruit That Puts a Smile on the Producer’s Face: “Mulberry”

The harvest of the early mulberry, which also delights the producers grown under cover in Mersin, continues to receive demand both domestically and internationally. Mersin, which holds an important place in Turkey’s fresh vegetable and fruit production, also stands out with its early harvest products. As the citrus season comes to an end, products grown under cover in the city have also begun to be harvested. In recent years, black mulberry, which has seen demand from both domestic and foreign markets, has also started to have greenhouses established in the city where products such as apricot and grape were previously grown under cover. Especially in the last 4-5 years, the fact that black mulberry, which is produced under cover, yields 3-4 tons per acre and is sold at 80 TL per kilogram, brings smiles to the faces of the producers. Since it is considered cost-free due to not requiring any medication, and the labor is minimal, black mulberry also makes the job easier for the producers. The harvest, which started in the black mulberry greenhouses established in Erdemli district, is expected to continue until the end of May.

Up to 4 tons per acre can be obtained Emine Yaman Kulu, an Agricultural Engineer who stated that they previously grew tomatoes in the greenhouse in Erdemli district, said, “We searched because tomato production requires economic strength due to its cost. We found black mulberry. We planted 60 seedlings per acre in our greenhouse. Our seedlings are now 2 years old. Our harvest, which has started, will continue until the end of May. Production is easy both for the producer and for our workers who collect it. Since there are no harmful pests, there is no need for medication. It’s just a product that loves feeding and water. Currently, we expect 2.5 tons per acre, but this tonnage increases in the coming years. It can go up to 4 tons per acre. The current price per kilogram is also 80 TL.”

“Arabs love it very much” Emine Yaman Kulu emphasized that there is a serious demand for the product, saying, “We send it to major cities such as Antalya, Istanbul, and Izmir. It is consumed with pleasure by Arab countries abroad. It goes to Dubai, Iraq, and Russia.” Aysel Kara, a producer harvesting mulberries, said, “We used to plant tomatoes in our garden. Tomatoes are a bit more expensive and labor-intensive, but mulberries are easier, and the cost is lower. The return is better compared to tomatoes. You work with tomatoes for 12 months. In this, it’s only about picking and pruning for 2-3 months. It’s a fruit that makes the farmer smile and is used in every field. It’s used to make molasses, jams, fruit juice, and in pastries.”