Sunflower planting area in Erzincan has increased by 50% since 2023, driven by alternative crop policies and irrigation infrastructure. The area, which covered 22,000 decares in 2023, has exceeded 33,000 decares this year.
Alper Koçaker, the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, said efforts to develop a crop pattern suited to Erzincan’s climate and soil conditions had begun to produce results. Koçaker noted that, in addition to its economic returns, sunflower cultivation also contributes to beekeeping, which is widespread in the province.
Harvest expected to reach 11,000–12,000 tonnes
Koçaker announced that approximately 9,000 tonnes of sunflower were produced last year and that this year’s harvest is expected to reach around 11,000–12,000 tonnes. He said production is concentrated mainly in the Tercan and Çayırlı areas, adding that planting has also increased recently in the central district and Kemah.
The provincial director said sunflowers are particularly recommended to farmers in irrigated areas. Oilseed and confectionery sunflower production has made Erzincan one of the leading centers in Eastern Anatolia in this field.
Production planning influenced crop choices
Koçaker said the production planning established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry had guided farmers, adding that the shift toward water-intensive crops such as sugar beet, corn and sunflowers had increased in irrigated areas.
Koçaker said improving the crop pattern had increased farmers’ incomes and contributed to the sustainable production of crops needed by the country. He added that farmers were encouraged to choose varieties suited to their irrigation opportunities and existing infrastructure.
Climate and irrigation support sunflower production
Koçaker said Erzincan is among the advantageous provinces of Eastern Anatolia in terms of water resources, irrigation infrastructure and climate conditions, adding that farmers’ interest in and experience with sunflower production had increased each year.
Koçaker said sunflowers can be grown across much of Türkiye but require substantial amounts of water. He noted that Erzincan has significant potential for sunflower production thanks to its strong irrigation facilities and water resources in the region.
