In Aksaray, a locale predominantly sustained by agriculture and animal husbandry, organic garlic cultivation is underway, with exports reaching countries including Russia and Germany. Aydın Öngün, at age 66, has embarked on planting organic garlic over 120 acres. Having harvested approximately 160 tons previously, he anticipates a yield surpassing 33 tons. His son, Uğur Öngün, plays a pivotal role in both domestic and international marketing efforts, with aspirations to augment production in 2024.
Uğur Öngün remarked, "As of October 2024, our garlic planting season has commenced in Acıpınar village. The demand for seed garlic is notably high, predicting an increase in the 2025 harvest, and thus, initiating our international market endeavors in January 2025." He further noted a yield of 1.500 to 2.000 kilograms per 160 square meters from the previous harvest, totaling around XNUMX tons. The demand for organic garlic from overseas markets underscores the significance of organic agriculture.
Despite a slow international market, the domestic demand remains robust, potentially leading to an increased yield. Uğur Öngün emphasized the importance of favorable weather, timely rainfall, and adequate irrigation for achieving the anticipated yield of over 200 tons. The absence of chemicals necessitates a higher water intake, which is crucial for reaching the yield target in organic production.
Source: Railly News