The dragon fruit harvest has begun in Hatay: 180 TL per kilogram!

In Hatay, which is an important center for agriculture in Turkey, farmers aim to increase their incomes by cultivating tropical products. In this context, dragon fruit (pitaya) has recently gained significant attention.

Fehmi Kaba, a 59-year-old producer living in Madenli Mahallesi in the Arsuz district, planted his first dragon fruit seedlings three years ago and has achieved great success in this process. Kaba is pleased with the high yield he has obtained and has decided to expand his production area.

According to the producer's market research, the price of dragon fruit per kilo is around 180 TL. This helps local farmers to turn a profit and increases their competitiveness in the market with tropical fruits. The advantages brought by the tropical climate are particularly suitable for the cultivation of dragon fruit. Notable for its long-fleshed, tasty, and nutritious characteristics, dragon fruit also stands out for its health benefits.

While Hatay increases agricultural diversity and boosts farmers' incomes, the future of tropical fruit cultivation appears bright. Producers are seeking new markets by turning towards other tropical products alongside dragon fruit. This new agricultural strategy will support the economic development of local farmers and will increase Turkey's agricultural diversity.

The harvest of dragon fruit not only signifies an economic transformation in Turkey's agricultural sector but also strengthens the understanding of healthy eating. As a result, consumers encounter healthy alternatives while farmers hope to establish a sustainable income model. Developing agricultural technologies and R&D efforts assist in enhancing the quality of such tropical fruits and opening them to wider markets.