Harvest of Early Watermelons Started in Adana

Harvest of certified early watermelons has started in Adana, one of Turkey’s most important watermelon production centers. Watermelons, sold at 11-12 lira per kilo in the fields, are loaded onto trucks and sent to all parts of Turkey.

High Yield Expected in the City

The harvest of early watermelons that covers 25% of the total 4 million tons of watermelons produced nationwide has started in Kapı Mahallesi, Karataş district by the sea in the city. It was reported that a yield of 700 thousand tons is expected from approximately 105 thousand decares of watermelon planted in the city this year. Watermelons sold at 11-12 lira per kilo in the fields are exported not only to the domestic market but also to Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Russia.

Farmers’ Expectations

Speaking to Ihlas News Agency during the harvest, President of Yüreğir Chamber of Agriculture Mehmet Akın Doğan stated, “After China, the highest watermelon production in the world is in Adana. Watermelon has reached maturity for harvesting. Currently, watermelon prices range from 10-12 lira in the fields. Currently, export doors are open, but the yield of early watermelons is a bit low. Currently, a yield of 4-5 tons per acre is obtained. When the harvest starts in the plain, the yield will reach 8-9 tons.”

Explaining that the cost per acre for farmers is 35 thousand lira, Doğan said, “Prices are currently quite good. The cost for farmers is 9-9.5 lira per kilogram. Our farmers cannot make a profit if they sell watermelons below 11-12 lira. Harvest in the plain will start at the beginning of June, and the harvest will increase.”

Things to Be Aware Of

Doğan emphasized the importance of raw watermelon teams inspecting the fields and then said, “Our farmers will apply to the district agricultural directorates before harvesting their watermelons and will harvest after obtaining approval. Raw watermelon teams will prevent raw watermelons from entering the market. Currently, our Adana watermelon is famous for its taste, color, smell, and aroma. This year, the planting area has increased compared to last year. When our farmers make money from watermelons, the planting area increases. If the weather does not get extremely hot, watermelon prices will continue like this. If our farmers make money this year, the planting area will increase. If raw watermelons are not broken, prices will not decrease. Watermelons should not be harvested before reaching maturity. Farmers and traders should pay attention to this.”