22.06.2026 02:00
In Zonguldak's Karadeniz Ereğli district, 52-year-old Arzu Marankoz, who retired from the healthcare sector and wanted to make use of the idle land in her village, obtained special permission from the Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry to plant salep orchids, and this year she expects a harvest of exactly 1 ton from 100 thousand tubers.
52-year-old Arzu Marankoz, married and mother of one, who lived in Aydınlar village of Karadeniz Ereğli district in Zonguldak, retired about 3 years ago after working as a healthcare professional for many years.
OBTAINED PERMISSION FOR SALEP, WHICH IS BANNED FROM COLLECTION, AND PLANTED IT ON FALLOW LAND
After retiring, Marankoz, who wanted to utilize the idle land in her village, decided to grow salep orchids.
Since salep orchids are among the endemic species and their collection from nature is prohibited, Marankoz applied to the Karadeniz Ereğli Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and obtained permission for cultivation.
Receiving technical support from expert engineers at the directorate, Marankoz initially started working on a 300-square-meter area with the help of her husband.
EXPECTS 1 TON OF YIELD
Marankoz, who expanded her production area to 1.5 decares in a short time, brought her idle land into agriculture by growing salep orchids.
Expecting a yield of 1 ton from 100,000 tubers planted this year, Marankoz aims to increase her production area of salep orchids in the coming years, as they are in high demand due to their high economic value and use in beverages, ice cream, pastry, and chemical industries after being ground into powder.
"EVERYTHING IS EASIER WHEN DONE WITH LOVE"
Arzu Marankoz said she expanded her salep orchid production area to 1.5 decares in three years. Stating that salep orchid cultivation requires effort and dedication, Marankoz noted that it is labor-intensive but everything becomes easier when done with love.
Marankoz emphasized that salep orchid cultivation is a business that contributes to the household and national economy, and said, "Anyone, especially women, can do this job. If they dedicate themselves to it, they can contribute to their family budget. I recommend it to everyone."
Marankoz, who expressed that she did not know how to grow salep orchids but received support from the district Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry staff, said, "Thanks to them, they supported us in everything from planting to care."
GOAL TO EXPAND LAND TO 10 DECARES
Marankoz stated that they want to gradually expand the production area, saying, "One of my biggest supporters is my husband. I do the soil preparation, care, and planting with him. I feel the support of our ministry as a female entrepreneur. With these supports, I want to increase my salep orchid land, currently 1.5 decares, to 10 decares."
Marankoz added that applications should be made to the necessary authorities for salep bulbs, and everything in production and sales must be legal, and that engaging in production makes her feel good.