20 million lira garlic harvest begins in Suruç Plain amid weather challenges

Garlic farmers in Turkey's Suruç Plain are facing a challenging harvest season, investing approximately 20 million lira in about 500 decares of land. The region, a significant garlic producer, is experiencing lower yields and a delayed harvest this year. Adverse weather, including heavy winter snowfall, frost, and spring climate fluctuations, has slowed the growth of garlic bulbs.

Producers are feeling the pressure of rising input costs, with the average cost per decare reaching 40,000 lira. Daily operations require a workforce of 150 to 200 agricultural laborers, who are paid daily wages of around 200,000 lira. Despite these efforts, farmers like İlhan Gören report that the yield in tons is down this year due to weather, affecting both quality and market demand.

Mehmet Bilgin, an agricultural engineer, noted that Turkey produces over 150,000 decares of garlic annually, yielding about 135,000 tons. He confirmed that this year's unfavorable weather conditions, including frost and inconsistent temperatures, have hindered bulb development and delayed the harvest, which has been ongoing for about a month. Farmers express a sense of resignation, relying on gratitude amidst the difficulties.