Registration Excitement for Drought-Resistant Göncek Melon

September 29, 2026 · Dünya Gazetesi

The traditional Göncek melon, grown without irrigation or pesticides in Kütahya's Emet district, has hit the market, while the product's geographical indication registration process gains momentum.

Natural Production Without Water or Pesticides

Göncek melons, grown entirely without irrigation or agricultural pesticides in the village of Göncek, Kütahya's Emet district, have reached the market stalls. Produced using traditional methods unique to the region and known for their resistance to drought and winter conditions, the melons are selling for 40 liras per kilogram. Farmer Rahmi Keskin, who cultivated on 7 decares this season, expressed the impact of natural production methods on taste with the following words:

'The unique taste and aroma of the Göncek melon stem from it not being irrigated and from the animal manure we use. Furthermore, we do not use any pesticides during the production phase.'

Organic Certificate and Geographical Indication

To register the region's unique winter melon and add value to it, teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry conducted comprehensive field inspections. As a result of the samples taken from production areas by experts from the Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Directorates, producers were presented with 'Organic Farming Stage 1' certificates. The geographical indication registration process for this special variety, kept free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides and nourished with animal manure, continues without slowing down. Officials aim to popularize this variety, which is adapted to dry farming.

Marketing Efforts and Price Expectations

Producers, who stand out with their natural production model, state that their biggest problem is the limited marketing network. Farmer Rahmi Keskin, who explained that they deliver their harvested products to local markets and buyers who come to the village in person, evaluated the commercial reflection of the process with the following words:

'Hopefully, once we obtain the geographical indication, both our marketing problem will be resolved, and we will be able to sell our product at a better price.'

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