Harvest Begins for 'Hırsız Almaz' Melon in Konaklı, Nilüfer
· Tarım Pusulası
Harvesting of the heirloom 'Hırsız Almaz' melon, cultivated across 3,282 decares in Nilüfer, has commenced, with accelerated steps towards geographical indication and cooperative establishment for the product.
Melon Harvest Begins in Konaklı Region
Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir participated in the melon harvest in the field alongside Konaklı Neighborhood Headman Hasan Tosun and NİLKOOP Chairman Resul Tarman. Emphasizing the critical role of the Konaklı, Çaylı, Büyükbalıklı, and Karacaoba regions in local melon production, Özdemir drew attention to the production potential. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), melon is planted on a total of 3,282 decares of land in the region. Municipal officials are continuously carrying out field work to ensure that the bounty from the fields directly reflects on the prosperity of the producers.
Geographical Indication for Heirloom Seed
Stating that the traditional product being harvested has been grown for generations using heirloom seeds, Şadi Özdemir said that this variety, which stands out for its flavor rather than its external appearance, needs to be protected. It was announced that preparations for the geographical indication registration for the 'Hırsız Almaz' melon are rapidly progressing to ensure the product is passed on to future generations. Özdemir stated that agricultural sustainability is directly linked to the protection of the land and expressed that they will demonstrate the earning potential of production in the field by encouraging young entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture.
Cooperation and Local Sales Network
The municipality, accelerating the transition to organized production to ensure producers receive the income they deserve, has established a new agricultural cooperative in Konaklı Neighborhood. Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir asked producers to gather their products under the cooperative umbrella and made the following assessment:
"Let the farmer of Nilüfer be the master of Nilüfer."
The harvested products will be delivered directly to consumers through the Nilüfer Bostan and Kantin Nilüfer sales points, coordinated by NİLKOOP, without intermediaries.