Harvest Season of Tropical Dragon Fruit Begins in Mersin
Mersin is a region that benefits from the advantages of the Mediterranean climate, allowing for the cultivation of various tropical products. Among these, dragon fruit stands out prominently. Across Turkey, dragon fruit is grown on 1,200 acres of land, with 150 acres dedicated to production in Mersin. This product is sold both in the domestic market and exported abroad.
The cultivation of dragon fruit under cover began seven years ago, with current prices reaching around 120-130 TL per kilogram. Countries such as Russia and Germany, along with the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Iraq, and Dubai, prefer the dragon fruits exported from Mersin. The fruits are harvested early in the morning by agricultural workers and carefully packed into crates. With proper care and favorable climate conditions, up to 3 tons of product can be obtained from one acre of land.
Feza Önal, a producer who started dragon fruit cultivation on 3 acres of covered land in Silifke, stated, “I have been producing dragon fruit for seven years. Initially, we started with 3 acres, and now we have expanded to 35 acres. We focus on growing high-quality, organic products because our customers prefer them. We are pleased with our production, and our potential is continuously increasing. When we produce quality products, we do not face issues with buyers; we sell directly to exporters, while second-grade products are offered in the domestic market.”
Önal noted that they produce both red and white varieties of dragon fruit, stating, “The red dragon fruit matures earlier and therefore has a larger share in the domestic market. The white varieties are generally preferred for export. The harvest season begins in August and continues until the end of November. While current prices are around 120 TL, we anticipate an increase to 150-160 TL. After two years, an acre can yield between 500 kilograms and up to 3 tons of fruit. Dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family and can produce fruit for 25 to 35 years with proper care.”
Recalling that dragon fruit cultivation in Turkey started 12 years ago, Önal mentioned that production has increased and gained commercial value over the last 6-7 years. Retiree Taner Yılmaz added, “In our third year, our yield is high. First-class products are sold at 120-130 TL. Considering today’s conditions, these prices are quite low compared to the first two years. We are working to achieve a greater increase. I plan to harvest 3 tons of fruit per acre from my 2-acre greenhouse this year. If the tree is properly cared for, it has a lifespan of 25-35 years. If we provide proper maintenance, we can increase our yield each year.”
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.