21.10.2026 21:03
A farmer in Adana who started chestnut cultivation 20 years ago with 5 saplings planted in his garden drew attention with the yield he obtained from the Hacı Ömer variety of chestnut. The producer, who increased the number of trees to 20, sold small chestnuts wholesale for 400 lira per kilogram and large ones for 500 lira last year. The farmer, who expects 40-50 kilograms of produce per tree this year, wants the Hacı Ömer chestnut, which he describes as one of Turkey's highest-quality varieties, to become widespread in the region.
Naci Yıldızan, who planted chestnut saplings in his garden in the Saimbeyli district of Adana in 2006, began getting his first fruits in the third year.
Yıldızan, who increased the number of trees over time by observing the yield, today continues production with 20 trees in his garden at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Stating that he expects approximately 40-50 kilograms of produce per tree this year, Yıldızan said that chestnut cultivation could be an important alternative for the region.
“THE HACI ÖMER VARIETY IS ONE OF TURKEY'S HIGHEST QUALITY VARIETIES”
Noting that those who had previously tried growing chestnuts in the region could not obtain a yield, Yıldızan drew attention to the importance of correct variety selection and pollination, and said, "The Hacı Ömer chestnut variety is one of Turkey's highest quality varieties. Others have tried before, but because there was no pollinator tree, they could not get produce. I started with 5 trees, and when I saw that the yield was good, I increased the number."
“I SOLD SMALL CHESTNUTS WHOLESALE FOR 400 LIRAS PER KILOGRAM, AND LARGE ONES FOR 500 LIRAS”
Stating that chestnuts provide an advantage to the producer in terms of marketing and storage, Yıldızan noted that he sold his products last year by separating them according to size, and said, "I sold small chestnuts wholesale for 400 liras per kilogram, and large ones for 500 liras. In chestnut cultivation, we do not use any chemicals other than water. While the harvest and storage process in cherries challenges the producer, chestnuts have a longer shelf life. Chestnuts harvested in October can be marketed until March and April. The mountainous structure of Feke and Saimbeyli is quite suitable for chestnut cultivation. I want this product to become widespread in the region."
"PROMISING FOR THE REGION"
Ahmet Kaytancı, one of the local residents who visited the garden, said that they saw promising results for the future of chestnut cultivation in Saimbeyli, and stated, "We saw that Mr. Naci achieved good results after 18 years of trials. The kernel plumpness and quality of the chestnut are quite good. The mountainous structure of the region is also an advantage for chestnut cultivation. We recommend that producers consider this product. I think better results will be obtained in the coming period."