Fog Disaster in Elazığ: Expected 60% Decrease in Apricot Production

Last year, the apricot trees were damaged by frost, and this year they were hit by fog. Producers mention that there are no fruits in their orchards and expect a 60% decrease in yield.

The Heart of Apricot Production: Baskil District

Baskil district in Elazığ, one of Turkey’s important apricot production centers, has around one million apricot trees on 100 thousand decares of land. The district produces an average of 60 thousand tons of apricots annually. Baskil apricots stand out with their quality and aroma, and are mostly marketed in Malatya.

Producers Facing the Disaster of Fog

Apricot producers in Baskil express that this year the fog has negatively affected the apricot trees. The fog has accumulated water particles on the trees, freezing the fruits, resulting in significant decreases in yield.

Producers’ Evaluation and Expectations

Producers state that for the past 3 seasons, due to various weather events and diseases, they have not been able to achieve the desired yield. Facing the disaster of fog this year as well, they expect a decrease of up to 60% in yield, leading to significant losses.

Nusret Abiç: “The fog leaves water particles on the trees. When these particles turn into ice, there are no fruits left. The biggest factor is the fog. The yield, which was low last year, has decreased even more this year. We, as producers, are going through a tough period.”

Hamza Abiç: “With the addition of the fog disaster this year to the problems we faced last year, the yield has decreased even further. Observing decreases of up to 60% in some areas and up to 100% in others in the orchards. The sustenance is guaranteed by Allah, but this year will be a very difficult period.”