28.06.2026 23:31
Cherry harvest has started in Dereköy, a village in Yalova's Çiftlikköy district. Producers, who obtained large-grained and quality products this year, stated that they are satisfied with the yield, and noted that existing irrigation ponds significantly contribute to fruit growing, with production expected to increase further once the fourth pond is established.
Harvest intensity is experienced in cherry orchards in Dereköy, one of Yalova's important agricultural centers.
THE FARMER IS SMILING
Producers, stating that both quality and yield are high this season, said that irrigation investments play a decisive role in production. Cherry producer Emir Lafçı, noting that they also grow apples and walnuts in addition to cherries, said, "Our fruit is abundant this year. Although prices are slightly lower than last year, they are at a level that will satisfy the producer. The farmer is smiling."
"CHERRY CARE LASTS 12 MONTHS"
Lafçı, explaining that cherry cultivation requires effort throughout the year, said, "Cherry care starts with winter pruning, followed by fertilization and spraying. Although its care is slightly easier than other fruits, it is one of the hardest products to harvest. During the harvest period, we need a large group of workers. Daily wage workers come from outside."
Stating that spraying is done only to maintain quality, Lafçı said, "We spray against the pest we call the internal worm. This practice preserves both the quality and shelf life of the fruit. Apart from this, we do not need intensive pesticide use."
"PONDS FORMED THE BASIS OF PRODUCTION"
Producer Muharrem Kapel, stating that the season has been quite productive, said, "We achieved the best yield in 2026. May God bless it abundantly. The quality of our cherries is very good. We achieved this success thanks to the agricultural irrigation ponds." Thanking the supporting institutions and officials, Kapel said that the three irrigation ponds in the village are of great importance for production.
PRODUCTION TARGET 250 TONS
Dereköy Mukhtar Hidayet Köken, stating that the village has become a growing fruit-growing center every year, said, "Young people have started returning to the village. The cherry orchard we visited today belongs to a young producer, and he alone produces 10-15 tons of cherries. Currently, there is approximately 150 tons of cherry production in Dereköy. I think this figure will reach 200-250 tons in the coming years."
Köken stated that in addition to cherries, apple, pear, plum, and strawberry production is also carried out in Dereköy, and said that thanks to its fertile soils, the village has become one of the important fruit-growing centers of the Marmara Region.
"A FOURTH POND IS NOW A NECESSITY"
Köken, explaining that the water shortage experienced in the past negatively affected production, said, "Before the ponds were built, we had to cut down many apple and pear trees due to drought. We couldn't achieve quality. Now, we have reached an important point in production. However, the existing three ponds are no longer sufficient."
Stating that the village has approximately 27,500 acres of fertile agricultural land, Köken said, "There are still large areas we cannot irrigate. If a fourth pond is built, our production areas will grow, problems arising from water sharing will end, and Dereköy will become a much larger production center."
In Dereköy, where large-grained cherries are harvested this year, producers stated that the season is one of the most successful periods in recent years in terms of both quality and yield.