Winter Has Come, Tea Harvest Is Not Over: Producers Are Back in Tea Gardens

Fourth Shoot Harvest Process in Tea Production

The fact that the Rize province, located in the northeast of Turkey, has an important place in tea production is because the climate conditions and topography of this region are ideal for the tea plant. A large part of the tea production in our country General Directorate of Tea Enterprises (ÇAYKUR) It is carried out by and many producers are involved in this process. As of 2023, approximately 800 thousand producers are harvesting tea in an area of ​​200 thousand decares.

Beginning and Development of Fresh Tea Season

2024 fresh tea season, May 4 2024 It started on , and from this date onwards tea producers started to collect the first shoot tea. The start date of the second shoot campaign is June 26, 2024 The third exile was determined as August 15, 2024 It started on . Under normal conditions, the end date of the tea season While it was anticipated that this year, changes in seasonal conditions have caused the fourth shoot harvest time to arrive.

Effect of Seasonal Conditions on Tea

The rainy months of September and October, followed by warm weather and sunshine, caused the tea plant to re-emerge in a different way than usual. This was an unexpected development for tea producers, and despite it being December in the Pazar district of Rize, the tea harvest is still ongoing. This extraordinary situation shows how the tea plant responds to climate change in the region.

Producers' Fourth Shoot Harvest Process

ÇAYKUR's closing of the season has directed many producers to the private sector. Producers sell the tea they collect by transporting it to the purchasing houses. Although the producers who sell their tea at the weighbridge sell below the base price of fresh tea, they do not complain much due to the abundance experienced due to the fourth shoot this year. The producers' acceptance of this situation has somewhat eased the uncertainties brought about by the tea season.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Fourth Exile

The fourth flush brings various advantages and challenges for tea producers. The re-emergence of the tea plant during this period allows producers to harvest more. However, uncertainties in seasonal conditions and market fluctuations are one of the biggest challenges producers face. Producers are concerned about the price fluctuations they encounter when selling their tea. However, the fourth flush harvest also draws attention with the additional income opportunities it provides for the tea plant.

Economic Importance of Tea Production

Tea has an important place in Turkey's agricultural sector. Tea production in our country has a great economic value in terms of both domestic consumption and export. Tea producers contribute to the regional economy with the employment they provide and also support local development. With the fourth harvest, the increase in tea production increases the economic vitality of the region.

Future Perspective: Tea Production and Sustainability

In the coming years, the sustainability of tea production will become even more important considering climate change and seasonal fluctuations. The development of agricultural techniques and methods by producers will play a major role in this process. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices is critical for both environmental protection and economic gain. Tea producers aim for a more efficient production process in the future by preserving traditional methods and integrating innovative techniques.

In Conclusion

Tea production is an indispensable part of Turkey's economic structure. With the fourth harvest, the challenges and opportunities faced by producers are changing the dynamics in the sector. The uncertainties brought by seasonal conditions are an important factor that will affect the future strategies of tea producers. In this process, it is of great importance for producers to adapt to market conditions and develop a sustainable production model.