AVOCADO PRODUCTION INCREASES IN ALANYA REGION ALONG WITH EXPORTS...

This year 50 million units of avocados are targeted in around 40 000 hectars in Antalya's Alanya county where about 80 percent of the production provided in Turkey.

Avocado started harvesting in the region and is expected to be exported to countries such as Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Iran.

Avocados brought to Turkey from Mexico in 1953 just for hobby purposes. However by the time consumption increased, then in the beginning of 1990's commercially production of avocados started mostly in Alanya, Gazipaşa, Anamur and Mersin regions.

The production of avocado in Alanya that is known for its antioxidant speciality and 4 of which is approximately 1 kilogram, is boosting steadily.

Alanya, the county meets 80 percent production of avocados, inthe past year reached 40 million units produced. Avocado started harvesting this year and this figure is expected to be 50 million due to normal weather conditions. The price of wholesale pieces varies between 4-4.5 liras according to quality of the product with retail price of 6-7 liras is found in the stalls.

During the harvest season, exports to countries such as Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Iran and  are targeted.



"This year we expect around 50 million units"

Visiting the garden harvested in Dimçayı region, Alanya Avocado Producers Association President Hilmi Sevilgen said they were hopeful of the season.

Sevilgen noted, "As of August 1 harvest began. The quality of our products this year seems very smooth in the gardens we have visited. Yield seems high. This year we see more than the product last year. We had a production of around 40 million last year. This year we have an expectation of around 50 million."