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Farmers in the coastal district of Silifke have initiated the open-field harvest for their famous strawberries.
This specific fruit holds a geographical indication tag and serves as a financial lifeline for the Mersin province. Thousands of local families and seasonal workers rely on this annual cycle for their primary income.
The first crates are already moving toward international borders to meet high demand.
International buyers currently demonstrate a heavy appetite for the Turkish crop.
Exporters sell these strawberries for ₺90 ($2) per kilogram on the global market. In contrast, local consumers pay between ₺65 and ₺75 at home.
This pricing structure prioritizes foreign currency over domestic affordability and illustrates the pressure on local resources to meet global demand. Producers expect a total yield of 60,000 tons from 20,000 decares of land this year.
Atayurt Hal Dernek President Ibrahim Kaynar oversees much of this activity. He expects a high yield and a profitable season for the growers.
"Our open-field strawberry harvest has started in Silifke Atayurt," Kaynar stated. He noted that sales remain strong across various channels. Kaynar added, "We expect 60,000 tons of product from 20,000 decares of land and hope for a good season."
The distribution network spans across several continents and utilizes diverse transport methods.
Land routes carry the fruit to nearby nations like Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Iraq. Markets with higher purchasing power require more sophisticated logistics to ensure freshness.
Dubai and Qatar receive their shipments through dedicated air cargo services. This method ensures the fruit maintains its distinct aroma upon arrival in the Gulf.
Production remains concentrated in specific neighborhoods to maximize efficiency. These areas include Arkum, Atakent, Kurtulus, Bahcekoy, Sokun, and Celtikci.
Farmers in these villages maintain a rigorous schedule to keep up with the export timeline. The harvest will continue throughout the summer months to fulfill existing orders from both regional and global partners.
This steady output secures Türkiye's position as a major player in the international fruit trade.
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