Mastic tree harvest has begun in Muğla
Efforts initiated eleven years ago to revive mastic production in Muğla have borne fruit, and the first harvests have been carried out.
As a result of efforts initiated eleven years ago to expand mastic production—which has a high economic value—and reduce external dependency in Muğla, the first harvests have been made and producers have begun yielding products.
First Harvest in the Eleven-Year Project
The first harvests have been made in the mastic production efforts carried out within the scope of the Project for the Development of Medicinal, Aromatic and Dye Plants, launched in 2015 by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
Mastic Orchards on One Hundred Decares of Land
Within the framework of the project, mastic orchards have been established on approximately one hundred decares of land to date, and it is aimed to expand production areas in districts other than Kavaklıdere and Yatağan.
Quality Analyses and Inventory Studies
In cooperation with the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute and the Southern Aegean Development Agency, quality analyses are ongoing by taking samples from mastic trees in different regions.
Free Sapling Support for Producers
Saplings procured from the Directorate of the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute were given free of charge to farmers by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and brought together with the soil.
Goal of Reducing External Dependency
Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Seyfettin Baydar stated that by increasing mastic production, it is aimed to reduce Turkey's external dependency on imports.
A New Source of Income for Rural Producers
While yields are expected to increase in the coming years as the trees complete their development, this study offers a significant source of income for producers in rural areas.