Government Support Boosts Trout Production in Malatya
The city of Malatya experienced a significant drop in trout production and fry following the devastating earthquakes that shook the region and were deemed the “disaster of the century.” Despite the challenges posed by the natural disaster, efforts have been made to support local producers in recovering and increasing their production levels.
With 22 facilities damaged due to the earthquake, trout production in Malatya saw a decrease from around 4 thousand tons last year to 6 thousand 280 tons in the first nine months of this year, thanks to support from the state. Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Osman Akar highlighted the city’s potential for plant and animal production, especially in the aquaculture sector.
Akar mentioned that there are suitable areas for aquatic products in the region, with trout being grown in land pools in the rivers, as well as in dam lakes in Sürgü and Sultansuyu, Darende, and Doğanşehir districts. Plans are underway to further increase production to 13 thousand tons by expanding production to Boztepe and Kapıkaya dams.
Currently, around 6 thousand 280 tons of portion trout are produced in 48 facilities across the city, with a production capacity of 10 thousand tons. The earthquake had a significant impact on the sector, leading to a drop in production to 4 thousand tons last year. However, with recovery efforts in place, production levels are quickly rising, with a target of reaching 10 thousand tons.
In addition, the city has a production capacity of 53 million trout fry, with approximately 31 million being produced in 13 facilities currently. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has provided significant support to earthquake-affected producers, offering 13.5 million lira in assistance. Various forms of support, including economic investments and facility construction, are also being provided to boost the sector.
One example of a successful trout producer in the region is Gökçe Dulkadir, who operates a facility in Sürgü District of Doğanşehir. With a production capacity of 135 tons of live trout and 14 million trout fry, Dulkadir supplies eggs and fry to domestic markets, including regions like Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, and Elazığ, as well as to Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia.
Despite the challenges posed by the earthquakes, the aquaculture sector in Malatya is showing resilience and growth, with the support of government initiatives and dedicated producers like Gökçe Dulkadir driving the industry forward.
