Known as “Prophet’s grapes,” harvest begins in Adıyaman

Harvesting has begun in Adıyaman for Besni grapes, a registered regional product known as “Prophet’s grapes.” The grapes are grown in the Besni and Gölbaşı districts and are especially valued for drying.

The crop is an important source of income for local producers. After suffering major losses from agricultural frost last year, growers are welcoming better yields from their vineyards this season.

Ayhan Ulakçı, the headman of Çorak village, told Anadolu Agency that producers expected a good harvest. He described Besni grapes as a distinctive local flavor grown only in certain areas, but identified access to markets as one of the sector’s biggest problems.

“Because we generally dry the products we grow, they are consumed as table grapes in winter. Traders come and buy the products from us, then sell them in their own markets. Besni grapes are also exported abroad through intermediaries,” Ulakçı said.

Cafer Ulakçı, who has produced grapes for about 40 years, also said yields were good but marketing remained difficult. Producer Mehmet Salman praised the grapes’ distinctive taste and aroma and said his vineyard had produced a high yield this season.

“

Because we generally dry the products we grow, they are consumed as table grapes in winter. Traders come and buy the products from us, then sell them in their own markets. Besni grapes are also exported abroad through intermediaries.