Türkiye's apricot industry has experienced nearly $330 million in exports over the last five years. However, recent frost events have severely impacted apricot crops, alongside peaches, apples, nectarines, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı visited Malatya, a major apricot-producing region, confirming the damage to fruit trees. The government has initiated recovery efforts to restore tree health and secure future yields.
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), apricot exports were valued at $55.6 million in 2020, increased to $61.8 million in 2021, peaked at $82.6 million in 2022, and then decreased to $58.6 million in 2023. Exports rebounded by 20.4% to $70.6 million last year. Between 2020 and 2024, total exports reached $329.3 million, with Russia as the primary importer, purchasing $179.4 million worth of Turkish apricots.
Yunus Kılıç, a board member of the Union of Turkish Chambers of Agriculture (TZOB), highlighted the frost damage in Malatya as catastrophic, stating, "Every single apricot tree in the province has been affected." Neighboring provinces Elazığ, Kahramanmaraş, and Sivas also cultivate apricots, with approximately 13 million trees reportedly damaged.
Türkiye, typically producing 750,000 tons of fresh apricots annually, now faces a reduced output of 10,000 tons. Kılıç supports government plans to reimburse farmers and restructure loans with Ziraat Bank and Agricultural Credit Cooperatives. "These adjustments would provide crucial support to the sector," he said. Farmers receive training on caring for damaged trees to promote recovery and future fruiting.
Source: Daily Sabah