Kumluca's Greenhouse Pepper Harvest Nears

October 31, 2026 · NTV Ekonomi

Adem Dalgıç, who produces in a 50,000 square meter greenhouse in Antalya's Kumluca district, shared insights on the export-oriented biological control process and price dynamics from farm to market.

Greenhouse Pepper Season Begins in Kumluca

In Kumluca, a major center for fresh fruit and vegetable production in Turkey's Antalya province, the greenhouse winter production season, which started in September, continues uninterrupted until July. Adem Dalgıç, a 60-year-old producer who has been in the profession for 40 years, taking over from his father, operates agricultural activities with his son in a total of 50,000 square meters of covered area. Having previously grown tomatoes and eggplants, Dalgıç has focused on pepper production for the last 2-3 years, dedicating 25,000 square meters of his greenhouse to pointed and charleston peppers this season. Having completed the planting and care stages, the producer will begin the new harvest within approximately 10-15 days.

Preference for Biological Control Over Chemicals

Adem Dalgıç, a greenhouse producer from Kumluca who carries out good agricultural practices under the control of the provincial directorate of agriculture, emphasized their adoption of biological control methods instead of chemical spraying in their greenhouses, stating the following about the production phase:

'We are trying to grow these products entirely with biological control. There are almost no chemicals. Moreover, almost all of my production, I can say 80%, goes to export after analysis results. Those that export doesn't like, or those with shape defects, we evaluate in the domestic market.'

Dalgıç explained that the production standards in the greenhouse are shaped according to direct foreign market criteria and that they successfully pass residue analyses.

Wholesale Market Prices and Base Values

Stating that the daily tariffs determined when products arrive at the wholesale market shape the market, Kumluca greenhouse producer Adem Dalgıç provided the following information about the latest market situation:

'According to the prices announced today; bell pepper was announced at 60 lira, pointed pepper at 85 lira, and charleston pepper at 70 lira. These are base prices. Prices can be above or below these depending on quality and export demand. We focus on the production side, we cannot look at the sales side. We take our goods to the market and evaluate them by paying a 10% commission.'

Price Gap from Farm to Market

It was pointed out that logistics, packaging, and operational expenses play a critical role in the widening price gap between the producer and the final consumer. Kumluca greenhouse producer Adem Dalgıç, arguing that shelf prices skyrocket with the addition of transportation and rental costs, evaluated the cost chain in between with the following words:

'I think the consumer can buy the product they bought for 60 lira at the market for at least 110, between 100-120 lira under the worst conditions. Because the intermediary pays 60 lira for the vegetable here. 30 lira cost, 90-100. The seller will also add a profit, so I think the consumer can buy it from the market there between 100-120 lira. I don't have any experience there. I can only speak my estimates.'

Farmer's Hope Amidst Risks

Dalgıç stated that agriculture means dealing with a living organism and requires 24/7 attention, comparing the bond between the plant and the producer to a mother-baby relationship. The experienced producer explained that even if some seasons result in losses, subsequent seasons compensate for these losses, expressing that farming inherently carries a constant hope for the future. Although there are seasonal price drops or yield fluctuations due to extreme weather conditions in the market, producers continue to create value for the national economy and food supply by staying dedicated to the land with self-sacrifice.

Local Employment and Expectation for Support

Touching upon the contribution of the developing greenhouse activities in Kumluca to the regional economy, Kumluca greenhouse producer Adem Dalgıç expressed his expectations regarding agricultural insurance and support policies with the following statements:

'I believe Kumluca is constantly taking steps forward in agriculture. We provide employment to about 50 people here. It makes us happy to contribute to our country. Disasters happen, etc., may God protect us from them. We also get our insurance for those. These are entered as costs, but our state provides support, and we expect more support. As a producer, I expect this.'

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