Turkey's Aksaray Harvests Double Organic Garlic Yield for Spanish, Russian Buyers

Aksaray, Turkey – The harvest of organic garlic, cultivated from the region's heritage seeds, has begun in Aksaray, yielding twice the amount compared to last year. This special variety, known for its high selenium and germanium content, is attracting significant interest from international pharmaceutical companies, particularly in Spain and Russia.

Producers anticipate a yield of 3 to 4 tons this season, a substantial increase from the 2 to 2.5 tons harvested last year. "We are harvesting our organic garlic grown from Aksaray's heritage seeds," said garlic producer Uğur Öngün. "Compared to last year, our yield is more than double this year."

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We are harvesting our organic garlic grown from Aksaray's heritage seeds. Compared to last year, our yield is more than double this year.

Öngün explained that the garlic is primarily destined for pharmaceutical firms in Russia, which utilize its properties for antibiotic production. The high selenium and germanium levels make this garlic variety exceptionally resistant to cold weather and diseases that can affect crops during rainy seasons. This year's abundant rainfall even eliminated the need for irrigation in some fields from planting until harvest.

While Spain and Russia have invested in the production by sending machinery, Öngün noted that demand also exists from countries like Germany. However, this year's increased production is already allocated. "Our garlic this year will go to Spain and Russia, who sent us machinery for investment," Öngün stated. "There were actually Germany and some other countries, but we didn't have the chance to grow enough product this year."

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Our garlic this year will go to Spain and Russia, who sent us machinery for investment. There were actually Germany and some other countries, but we didn't have the chance to grow enough product this year.