A Year-Round Harvest in Beypazarı
In Beypazarı, Ankara, where 40% of Turkey’s carrots are grown, the carrot harvest is a year-round endeavor. Thanks to altitude differences within the region, farmers stagger planting and harvesting schedules to ensure consistent production. The harvested carrots are processed in washing facilities, sorted by quality, and stored in cold storage, allowing them to be distributed to markets nationwide throughout the year.
Despite its reputation as Turkey’s carrot hub, farmers in Beypazarı are facing significant challenges that threaten the sustainability of their operations.
The Numbers Behind the Struggle
Farmers report that the farmgate price for carrots averages 8 Turkish Lira (TRY) per kilogram, while consumers pay 45-60 TRY at markets. This disparity reflects the costs added by middlemen and logistics, leaving farmers with slim profit margins.
Carrot production costs, driven by increased input prices like seeds, fertilizers, and water usage, are estimated at a minimum of 25 TRY per kilogram. This means that, in many cases, farmers are operating at a loss.
Ali Osman Bozkaya, a veteran farmer with nearly four decades of experience, laments the shift:
“We used to grow fewer carrots and earn more money. Now, we grow more, but rising costs and water scarcity have made it difficult to turn a profit. If this continues, farming will no longer be sustainable.”
Water Scarcity and Overproduction
One of the most pressing issues is water scarcity. With nearly all available farmland in Beypazarı now dedicated to carrot cultivation, the demand for water has intensified. Farmers are increasingly challenged to maintain irrigation for their crops, further compounding production costs.
Bozkaya highlights the dilemma:
“We’ve planted every available plot of land, but water resources are dwindling. Without sustainable water management, our ability to continue farming is in jeopardy.”
A Broader Implication
The carrot industry in Beypazarı serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing modern agriculture. Rising input costs, environmental pressures, and inequitable profit distribution are universal concerns for farmers worldwide.
Beypazarı’s carrot farmers have demonstrated resilience by sustaining year-round production, but their struggles underline the urgent need for systemic change. Addressing water management, ensuring fair market prices, and supporting farmers through subsidies or cooperatives are essential steps to preserve agricultural livelihoods and secure food supply chains.
