Pamukkale, Denizli, a city located in western Turkey, is responsible for 20% of Turkey's pomegranate exports. Producers in Pamukkale's Irliganli neighborhood have started to harvest "Hicaz" pomegranates which are either consumed fresh or used in juice making and drugs.
Pomegranates are grown on an area of 3 thousand hectares and they are exported mainly to Russia, the Middle Eastern and European countries.
MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) district head of Pamukkale, Mehmet Ali Yilmaz, who is known for his interest in farming said: "It is a microclimate here in Irliganli, Yenikoy, Kocadere and Kucukdere. This increases the quality of pomegranates."
Stressing that Irliganli is responsible for 20% of Turkey's pomegranate exports, Yilmaz said: "20% is an important share in exports. We export pomegranates mainly to Germany, the Netherlands and Russia. Our farmers are knowledgable and educated. They contribute to the local economy."
"Irliganli is a pomegranate heaven"
Producer Ali Kocyigit said: "Whoever hears about Irliganli, they know that it is a "pomegranate heaven". Our pomegranates are not only popular in Turkey but also abroad. As farmers, we only complain about high prices for fertilizers and chemicals. Otherwise, we have no problems."
