Aronia Production Started During the Pandemic Grows in Bartın
Fatma Kıvanç increased the number of saplings with support in aronia cultivation, which she started during the pandemic, and raised the harvest yield this season.
53-year-old Fatma Kıvanç, who started aronia cultivation to make use of her garden during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bartın, has significantly increased her production capacity with the support of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, expecting 1 ton of produce this year.
An Initiative Started During the Pandemic
Living in the village of Topluca in Bartın, 53-year-old Fatma Kıvanç turned to agriculture upon her son's advice to utilize her garden during the pandemic period. As a result of her research, Kıvanç decided on aronia cultivation and took her first step into production by planting 200 saplings 5 years ago.
A Garden Growing with Support
Deciding to expand her garden after obtaining yield, Kıvanç increased the number of saplings on her 1.5-decare land to 600 with the support provided by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Choosing entirely organic farming by not using pesticides or chemical fertilizers during the production process, the producer carries out maintenance work largely through her own means.
From Community Prejudices to Success
Stating that she initially received different reactions from her surroundings and that aronia cultivation was approached with prejudice because hazelnuts are generally produced in the region, Kıvanç expressed that the value of the product has been much better understood over time.
Large Increase in Harvest Quantity
The producer, who obtained 20 kilograms of products in the first phase of her work, expects a harvest of around 1 ton this season with the increase in yield she achieved over time. The harvested products are delivered to local companies and buyers via the internet.
Agricultural Support in the City
Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Murat Türkmen stated that sapling needs were met within the scope of the Ministry's Aronia for Health Project to encourage aronia cultivation, which was started from scratch 5 years ago, and support was provided for organic product certificates.
Organic Aronia Activities in Bartın
Noting that organic aronia production is carried out on an area of 350 decares throughout Bartın, Murat Türkmen recorded that a national-level organic product processing company operating in the city undertakes the certificate fees of the producers and offers a guarantee to purchase the products at their value.