One of the non-wood forest products from which income is obtained is lavender, which has about 39 species, most of which are of Mediterranean origin. Lavender (Lavandulaspp.) is a perennial valuable essential oil plant in the semi-shrub form from the Lamiaceae family. Since lavender is a perennial plant, it is economically beneficial for 15-20 years from the same lavender plantation. Lavender cuttings are most often planted in the field in spring or early summer. Lavander cultivars generally form smaller habitus than lavandin cultivars. Lavender is not usually watered as it is very drought resistant.
Every year, 1.9-2.0 billion $ (USD) of essential oil is exported around the world, of which approximately $ 50 million is lavender oil . The retail price of 1 kg of lavender oil varies between $125-250 depending on its quality.
Well, let's see where we are as a country, we are still in the class here, if our producers are supported and informed, lavender production has an incredible potential.
While Turkey's lavender oil import was $170,000 in 2003, it was $221,000 in 2005. The foreign exchange paid for lavender oil imports is increasing every year, however, we can be one of the countries that have a say in this matter.
In Turkey, the lavandin (L. x intermedia var. Super A) species is cultivated in the province of Isparta in terms of economy. Lavender has adapted very well to the non-irrigated, barren and sloping lands of this region. Today, lavender (L. x intermedia var. Super A) is produced in Kuşcular, Aydoğmuş, Çukurören and Ardıçlı villages, especially in Kuyucak, and 500 tons of fresh stemmed lavender is obtained from the lavender harvested in July every year.
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There is L. x intermedia var. grown in Isparta. An average of 500-750 kg/da stemmed fresh lavender yield is obtained from Super Alavandin variety . By separating the stem after drying, an average of 100-150 kg/da stemless dry flower yield is obtained . When 5 kg of stemless fresh lavandin bundles are dried, up to 1 kg of stemless dried lavender flowers are produced.
Considering the fact that lavender is a species that has managed to adapt to the ecological conditions of the Isparta region and that there are many potential areas with similar ecological characteristics in the region, it is predicted that it will be possible for Turkey's share in the world lavender trade to increase substantially.
As a result; Technical information meetings should be held on lavender cultivation, climate and soil requirements, production and cultivation techniques, soil cultivation, seed sowing and seedling planting, irrigation, fertilization and care, harvesting and drying methods in the region, our farmers should be both supported and encouraged in cooperatives. I can't help but say that its honey is also delicious. It will be an additional source of income for lavender producers and is more delicious than pine honey.
Sources
- Serkan SEZEN - Linkedin