New Alternative Crop for Farmers in Thrace: Echinacea
In Edirne, a collaboration between Trakya University (TÜ) Havsa Vocational School and the Faculty of Pharmacy has initiated trial plantings to promote the cultivation of echinacea. The plants, which bloomed last month, were harvested once they matured.
In the university’s trial garden, three different types of echinacea were planted on one decare of land to evaluate their adaptation to the region’s climate and soil, as well as their yield and pharmacological properties. This North American-origin plant was found to be suitable for local growing conditions during the trial plantings.
Echinacea, known for its high added value, yields an average of 300 kilograms of flowers per decare. With significant demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the price per kilogram of echinacea ranges between 600 and 1000 Turkish Liras, depending on market conditions.
"Strengthening the Immune System"
Vice-Rector of Trakya University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tan noted that the plant has an economic lifespan of 6-7 years. He explained, “Echinacea roots, leaves, and flowers are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. It holds an important place among medicinal and aromatic plants and has various applications worldwide. It significantly benefits human health. It is widely used in European Union countries and the United States." He emphasized that echinacea not only strengthens the immune system but is also commonly used in pharmacy because it is beneficial for skin wounds.
Importance of Production and Marketing
Prof. Tan remarked that typically sunflower and wheat are cultivated in the dry agricultural fields of Thrace. He added, “The machinery used for the cultivation and harvesting of medicinal aromatic plants differs, requiring more labor. Traditional farming methods rely more on manual weeding than on herbicides. While cultivating this plant in Thrace seems feasible, it is crucial to define the marketing conditions effectively. Although production is important, the sale of the manufactured product is even more vital. Therefore, it is advisable for farmers to start production in small areas, solve potential marketing issues beforehand, and once successful, gradually expand their production areas.”
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.