Early Grape Harvest Season Begins in Elazığ Vineyards
· NTV Ekonomi
In Elazığ, one of Turkey's key table grape production centers, the harvest season has commenced with early varieties. Following last year's frost damage, an increased yield has raised farmers' market expectations.
Early Grape Harvest Underway
In Elazığ, a leading center for table grape production in Turkey, the harvest of early varieties such as İlkeren and Prima has begun. While the province yields around 85,000 tons of grapes annually from approximately 110,000 decares of land, producers in the village of Hoşköy are working intensively in the vineyards despite the hot weather.
Grape Grower Aytaç Göktan stated that they have started the season's first harvest:
"In Hoşköy village, we first started the harvest with the early black grape variety 'Prima'. I produce grapes on 35,000 square meters of land. I expect around 90 tons of grapes."
High Yield Post-Frost
This year, the high yield in the vineyards is notable, following the agricultural frost disaster experienced in the past production season. Aytaç Göktan noted that the amount of product in the field has increased, but prices are lower compared to last year:
"Our Elazığ white and Ağın grapes are truly high quality and durable. Hopefully, this market will open up, and both our country and our farmers will reach a better level. Last year, the yield was low because there was a frost event in over 30 provinces across Turkey. This year, the yield is very high. If the market is good, our farmers will be happy."
Export and Market Expectations
Göktan emphasized that the early varieties are being offered to the local market, and the main harvest period will begin in the fall:
"The early grape harvest does not have a very high tonnage. It is produced to cater only to Elazığ and surrounding cities. Our main grapes will be available from mid-October, continuing through November and December. Those grapes cater to both overseas and domestic markets."