Drug-Free Potato Harvest in Antalya for Biological Control

October 29, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

In a project conducted in cooperation with Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and Kırkpınar Cooperative, 2 tons of drug-free potatoes were harvested to raise beneficial insects that combat pests.

Potato Trial for Biological Control

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Department of Agricultural Services has launched a new trial production to reduce the use of agricultural chemicals and promote environmentally friendly practices. In the project implemented in Kırkpınar Neighborhood, Korkuteli district, the aim was to multiply beneficial insects used in biological control. Within the scope of the study, Granola variety potatoes are used to feed predator and parasitoid species raised against mealybugs in citrus and pomegranate orchards. The process is carried out in cooperation with the Rural Development and Cooperatives and Plant Production and Training branch directorates.

Two Tons Harvested Without Chemical Use

Ramazan Tuğ, Chairman of the Korkuteli Kırkpınar Neighborhood Agricultural Development Cooperative, stated that they entered the field with the support of a 400-kilogram seed grant provided by the municipality to the producers. In the trial planting conducted, no chemical pesticides were used, and approximately 2 tons of potatoes were harvested from the land cultivated entirely by drug-free methods. Expressing that the yield satisfied the producers, Ramazan Tuğ noted that he would continue to produce the same variety in the coming periods and would recommend other farmers in the region to grow this potato.

Direct Purchase Model from Producers Planned

Ömür Yılmaz, an Agricultural Engineer at the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Department of Agricultural Services, stated that the beneficial insects in the facilities are produced by the municipality's own means and that the Granola variety plays a critical role in multiplication. Agricultural Engineer Ömür Yılmaz announced that they aim to expand the planting areas in the region by multiplying the obtained potatoes. In the coming process, it is planned to purchase directly from producers without the need for seed support. Thus, it is aimed to direct producers towards potato cultivation and to ensure the supply of biological control inputs through local procurement.

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