“Ergani Receives 1.5 Million TL for Salep Cultivation”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has allocated a budget of 1,507,128 Turkish Liras for the implementation of the Salep Cultivation Development Project Cooperation Protocol, in collaboration with the Ergani District Governorate and the GAP Regional Development Administration. The Ergani District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry will be responsible for managing the project, which aims to increase the diversity of the salep plant in Turkey by identifying and cultivating varieties suited to the region’s climate and altitude.
Salep is an endemic plant that is used in the production of pharmaceuticals and ice cream. The project intends to generate additional income for women farmers by including them in production activities. It also aims to increase the added value of small-scale and fragmented fields by transforming them into agricultural areas. The project team will procure salep tuber from corporate companies that have been given sales permission by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Plant Production.
The pre-feasibility studies for the project were completed on November 2, 2022, and 10 farmers were selected to participate in the pilot application. It is hoped that the project will contribute to the economic development of the region by creating new job opportunities and enhancing local production capacity.
The Salep Cultivation Development Project Cooperation Protocol represents a significant step towards enhancing the agricultural sector in Turkey. By investing in the cultivation of native crops, the government is supporting the development of sustainable and resilient agriculture, which is crucial for the country’s long-term growth and prosperity.
