Beypazarı Carrot Production: Turkey's Agricultural Paradise
beypazari, is one of the important centers of Turkey in the field of agriculture. This district, especially known for its carrot production, meets approximately 40% of our country's total carrot production. Beypazarı, with a population of around 50 thousand, attracts attention with its production of many vegetables and fruits as well as agriculture. 30% of the district's population earns its living through the agricultural sector. This situation once again reveals the agricultural potential and importance of Beypazarı.
Carrot Harvesting: Traditional Methods and Modern Practices
Carrot production in Beypazarı continues almost all year round. Especially the winter carrot harvest is carried out with the participation of hundreds of seasonal workers. Workers who go down to the fields at the first light of day carefully pick the carrots and place them in bags. The collected carrots are sent to modern washing facilities. In these facilities, the rough cleaning of the carrots is done in large pools, and then the cleaning process is completed with washing machines.
Classification of Carrots: Quality and Uses
After the washing process, carrots are divided into three groups according to quality: large, crispy and broken. This distinction is determined by the purpose for which the carrots will be used. For example, large carrots are offered to the market, while crispy carrots are used more in salads. Broken carrots are sold at lower prices. Producers store their harvested products in cold storage to market according to demand.
Challenges of Agriculture: Water Scarcity and Rising Costs
In addition to carrot production, farmers in Beypazarı also face many difficulties. In particular, the decrease in water resources negatively affects agricultural production. Ali Osman Bozkaya, a producer who has been farming for 40 years, states that water scarcity is a challenge for them. “We have difficulty finding uncultivated fields here,” he says, indicating that agricultural land is limited. The decrease in water resources increases farmers’ costs, and this is reflected in the prices of products.
Economic Value of Carrots: Cost and Market Prices
The cost of carrots in Beypazarı, when compared to field and market prices, presents a rather striking picture. Bozkaya states that merchants do not buy carrots for less than 8 liras, while this year's market prices vary between 45 and 60 liras. He emphasizes how high the production cost is by saying, "The cost of carrots is at least 25 liras, there is no excess or shortage."
Quality of Beypazarı Carrots: Why Are They Preferred?
Beypazarı carrots stand out with both their taste and quality. Carrots grown at high altitudes are rich in nutritional value and offer many health benefits. Beypazarı's climate allows carrots to be sweeter and crispier. This makes them attractive to both the local population and the national market.
Agricultural Potential and Future of Beypazarı
Beypazarı will continue to be an important center in the future with its agricultural potential. However, more precautions need to be taken regarding the protection of water resources and agricultural sustainability. Farmers should be enabled to produce more efficiently by combining traditional methods with modern agricultural techniques. In addition, increasing state support and incentives will strengthen Beypazarı's agricultural sector.
Conclusion: The Value and Importance of Beypazarı Carrots
Beypazarı, beyond being just an agricultural center, plays an important role in Turkey's carrot production. Beypazarı carrots, which are preferred in local and national markets with their high-quality products, also offer many health benefits. Despite the difficulties of agriculture, Beypazarı's potential is increasing day by day. Ensuring agricultural sustainability for future generations is of great importance in terms of protecting these valuable lands.
