Pistachio trees planted 50 years ago in Hakkari are being harvested

Pistachio trees planted about 50 years ago by farmer Mehmet Baskın in the Doski Valley of Hakkari's Yüksekova district continue to yield fruit despite migrations and periods of neglect. Perviz Geçirgen, President of the Yüksekova Chamber of Agriculture, stated that the 5,000 to 6,000 pistachio trees in the region could contribute to the district's economy with professional support.

Pistachio production continues in Köşkönü village, located in the Doski Valley of Hakkari's Yüksekova district, which began when farmer Mehmet Baskın planted saplings he brought in 1975–1976. Perviz Geçirgen, President of the Yüksekova Chamber of Agriculture, visited the village to inspect the harvesting activities on site and received information from Baskın.

Stating that around 5,000 to 6,000 pistachio trees could not be maintained for a long time and some dried up due to village evacuations and forced migrations in the past, farmer Mehmet Baskın expressed that the trees started bearing fruit again with the returns to the village. Baskın noted that yields could be higher if proper maintenance, pruning, and grafting are carried out.

Emphasizing that agricultural production is successfully carried out in the region, Perviz Geçirgen stated that this crop could create employment in rural areas and prevent young people from migrating to big cities. Stating that value added will be provided to the regional economy by converting terebinth trees into pistachios and increasing their numbers under university supervision, Geçirgen requested state support for professional cultivation.