(Special) Harvest of geographical indication certified Hasanağa artichoke decreased by half

Harvest season in the geographical indication registered artichoke fields in Hasanağa, a district of Bursa’s Nilüfer, is coming to an end. Due to winter conditions, the harvest started early, and with a 50% decrease in yield, an artichoke is being sold for 40 Turkish Liras. Hasanağa-specific soil, water, climate, and the traditional farming method produce artichokes that stand out in terms of size and taste compared to artichokes from other regions. Artichokes cultivated on approximately 150-200 acres in Hasanağa are sold to different regions of Turkey. While an average of 6 artichokes were harvested from one root in the past, this year it has decreased to as low as 3. After being harvested from the field, the most challenging stage of artichoke production, the peeling process, is carried out, followed by vacuum packaging for sale. The early start of the artichoke harvest this year due to the mild winter led to reaching the end of the harvest season.
Hasanağa Neighborhood Headman Rüstem Kartoğlu stated, “Our artichoke harvest started early due to weather conditions. Then the weather got cold, but artichoke growth slowed down, resulting in a decrease in yield. When artichokes first hit the market, they were sold for 50 Turkish Liras, but currently, they are being sold between 35-40 Turkish Liras. Artichokes that were sold for 20 Liras last year reached 50 Liras. The prices are normal for us. It only managed to save us. Even at 40 Liras, our profit is minimal. Our artichokes are sold as Hasanağa even in Istanbul. These fields used to be full of artichokes, but due to the lack of young people to work, production has decreased. We need to increase our production.”
Artichoke producer Ömer Çinkaya mentioned that normally one root yields 6 artichokes, but this year they only obtained 3 per root. He said, “Yield decreased by half this year. The cost of one root reached 40 Turkish Liras for us. In artichokes that yield high amounts, you can get more than 20 artichokes from one root. The decrease in yield reflected on prices. Last year, I sold artichokes worth 260,000 Liras in this field. This year, it dropped to 110,000 Liras. People come to buy artichokes from many parts of Turkey and even from other countries.”
Çinkaya added that artichokes are liver-friendly and beneficial for skin diseases. He said, “We know that it is good for liver fat accumulation and skin diseases. I am not a doctor; I am just sharing what I have heard. The tea made from artichokes is very good, and it is believed to be very beneficial. Our artichoke received geographical indication two years ago. After this registration, my sales were positively affected. Nilüfer Municipality organized a festival. 4-5 thousand people came here for this festival and bought artichokes.”
Hasan Cevali, who peels 2,000-2,500 artichokes daily, emphasized that Hasanağa artichokes are easier to peel compared to other types.