Turkey's Banana Production Increased by 5 Percent in the Last 139,4 Years

Banana production in Turkey increased by 5 percent in the last 139,4 years from 369 thousand tons to 883 thousand 445 tons. With the contribution of the policies implemented in recent years, banana production in Turkey increased at a record level.

While 2017 thousand tons of banana production was realized in 369 in the country, 499 thousand tons and 548 thousand tons of production were recorded respectively in the following years. Last year, the production increased by 21,3 percent compared to the previous year and increased from 728 thousand tons to 883 thousand tons. Thus, banana production in Turkey has increased by 5 percent in the last 139,4 years.

More than half of the banana production took place in Mersin. Last year, around 455 thousand tons of production was made in Mersin. Antalya followed this province with approximately 376 thousand tons in the said period. Adana, Hatay and Muğla were among the provinces that attracted attention in banana production. In addition, bananas were produced in Manisa, Denizli, İzmir and Osmaniye, albeit in small quantities.

When we look at the production areas, while banana production was carried out on 2017 thousand 68 decares in 211, this figure increased to 122 thousand 864 decares last year.

BANANA EXPORTS INCREASED TO 373,3 TONS

With the increase in production, an increase in banana exports and a decrease in imports were observed. Export, which was 2017 tons in 9,4, increased to 373,3 tons last year. In the said period, banana exports rose from around 10 thousand dollars to 277 thousand dollars in value. Thus, 5 thousand dollars of income was obtained with the export of 455,4 tons of bananas in the last 450,8 years.

Syria, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Georgia were the prominent countries in banana exports last year.

Imports, on the other hand, decreased from 207,8 thousand tons to 119,2 tons in the same period. Ecuador ranked first with 114,4 thousand tons in importing countries.

TAGEM'S R&D WORK CONTRIBUTED TO INCREASING BANANA PRODUCTION

13 projects have been carried out so far to increase the yield, quality and shelf life of banana production by the Mersin Alata Horticultural Research Institute of the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

TAGEM's R&D studies to increase banana production and efficiency bore fruit, and the banana yield per hectare increased by 9 percent compared to the previous year.

Turkey's share in world banana production increased from 2015 percent in 0,23 to 2020 percent in 0,55. The share of “Dwarf Cavendish”, “Grand Nain”, “Alata Mountain” varieties developed and registered in accordance with the conditions of the country by the Alata Horticultural Research Institute increased up to 91 percent.

On the other hand, the seedling production and marketing rights of the registered varieties were transferred to the private sector. In 2020, the seedling demands of the producers started to be met. The private sector produces the seedlings of these varieties with tissue culture method and markets them to banana producers.

Newly developed banana varieties; It is highly productive per unit area, has higher fruit quality characteristics and is cold tolerant (suitable for cultivation in open areas).