Bittersweet Harvest in Hot Weather: Those Unable to Touch Their Faces
Hatay’s farmers have begun harvesting peppers in the Amik Plain. The ripe peppers, maturing in the hot weather, are being collected by agricultural workers facing challenging conditions. The workers, earning a daily wage of 600 TL, find the pepper harvest difficult.
When they touch their faces, they can feel the sting of the peppers, yet they continue to labor under harsh circumstances. Sezai Kılınç, a farmer from Hassa District who has planted bell peppers, has also started the harvest. The carefully picked peppers are being sold for 22 TL per kilogram.
Worker İnci Yeşil states, “We’re picking peppers, and it’s tough in the heat. Our daily wage is 600 TL; may God help us. If you touch your face, it burns, and your eyes water.”
Farmer Sezai Kılınç adds, “The harvest is going well; we agreed on a sale price of 22 TL. The heat is affecting both the peppers and us; our hands are burning too. When it touches our face, it feels toxic.”
Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.