27.11.2025 20:11
In Konya, a 25-year-old agricultural engineer producing saffron, a high value-added agricultural product, using soilless farming methods aims to set an example for farmers and contribute to the region's production diversity. The young engineer, who has made his first harvest in his 14-square-meter facility, has achieved an astonishing income.
In Konya, an agricultural engineer producing saffron, a high value-added agricultural product, using soilless farming methods aims to set an example for farmers and contribute to the region's production diversity.
HE ESTABLISHED HIS OWN FACILITY AT THE AGE OF 25
25-year-old Mert Pektaş, who graduated from university 4 months ago and established a facility for saffron production, wanted to show farmers in a region where grain production is intense that an alternative and high-yield production model is possible. Pektaş achieved the desired quality and sustainability in saffron through controlled production in his 14 square meter facility located in the mountainous neighborhood of Bahçesaray in the Sarayönü district.
"IF WE WANTED TO DO IT ON LAND, WE WOULD NEED 1000 SQUARE METERS"
Pektaş, who has completed his first harvest and is preparing for a new production period, states that saffron offers opportunities to the local people with its resistance to diseases and suitability to climate and water conditions. He mentioned the economic value and attractiveness of saffron, which is produced in limited quantities in Turkey.
Pektaş, who stated that he preferred saffron due to the increasing effects of drought and the economic value of the product, said, "The area of my facility is 14 square meters. There are 10,000 saffron bulbs in this area. If we wanted to do this production on land, we would need 1000 square meters. It is a job that people without land can also do."
COSTING HALF A MILLION, YIELDING MORE THAN 1 MILLION
Pektaş, who stated that soilless saffron farming is not very difficult and that production costs are also reasonable, said, "I built this facility with my own efforts, and it cost about 500,000 lira, including 10,000 bulbs. We have completed our harvest. We obtained approximately 250 grams of saffron. Now we have moved on to the bulb multiplication process. Such a facility can pay for itself in a short time. We are also selling the bulbs we multiply alongside saffron." Pektaş expressed that a saffron facility of this size could provide more than 1 million lira in revenue annually.
"I TRY TO HELP AS MUCH AS I CAN TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED"
Pektaş pointed out that saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, stating that he initially established the facility for experimental purposes and decided to expand after achieving success, and he also recommends it to those who are interested.
Pektaş said, "One of my goals in starting this job was to show the local people that there is a production method through which they can earn extra income. They can do this job even in a small area. The cost of this job is not very high. There are those who are curious, those who ask, and those who want to come and see. I try to help as much as I can to those who are interested."