First harvest excitement in Mastic orchards in Muğla
First harvests have begun in mastic orchards established through an agricultural directorate project in Muğla, aiming to reduce imports.
The first crops have been harvested in mastic orchards established through a project carried out by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. The initiative aims to provide additional income to producers and reduce foreign dependency.
Details of the Mastic Production Project
With the Project for the Development of Medicinal, Aromatic, and Dye Plants initiated by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry in 2015, the aim is to increase mastic production. To date, mastic orchards have been established on an area of approximately 100 decares.
Quality Analyses and Inventory Studies
Studies are being conducted in cooperation with the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute and the Southern Aegean Development Agency to compile the mastic inventory of Muğla. Quality analyses are performed using samples taken from different regions.
Harvest Process and Yield Amounts
Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Seyfettin Baydar stated that the trees begin to yield products in about 11 years. He noted that an initial harvest yields 80-100 grams, and this figure could increase to 400-500 grams in the coming years.
Rural Development and Support for Producers
Officials stated that the saplings were obtained from the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute and provided free of charge to farmers, emphasizing that the project creates a new income door for producers in rural areas.