Endemic Species Contribute TRY 62 Million to Muğla's Economy

Muğla, which accounts for 12 percent of Turkey's endemic plant species, generates approximately TRY 62 million annually to the Muğla economy from products such as Anatolian sage, laurel, thyme, salep, lavender and mastic. Muğla, which contains 427 of Turkey's 3,500 endemic plant species, generates approximately TRY 62 million annually from these endemic plant types. Production studies of new species suited to Muğla's geography continue within the framework of the 'Expansion and Development of Production of Perfumery, Medicinal, Aromatic and Dye Plants' project.

Seedling Support from Producers

Alongside species growing naturally in the Muğla region, the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Muğla Forest Regional Directorate continue to provide seed and seedling support to rural citizens aimed at increasing endemic species. Species such as laurel, sage, carob, salep, oak acorn and strawberry tree are widespread across all coastal regions. Although varying by year, according to Forest Regional Directorate records in Muğla, 309 tons of thyme, 147 tons of sage and 700 tons of laurel plants are collected annually from forests with permission. While efforts continue to prevent illegal harvesting despite controls conducted, losses resulting from illegal harvesting are prevented and species continuity is ensured.

Cultivation to Continue in New Sowing Areas

It was announced that in line with the 'Expansion and Development of Production of Perfumery, Medicinal, Aromatic and Dye Plants' project implemented between 2015-2021 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's General Directorate of Plant Production, salep, quinoa, melissa, lemon balm, buckwheat, thyme, mastic and Anatolian sage cultivation has continued successfully since 2015. During 2019-2020, 'Mastic Orchards' were established on 70 decares, 'Karya's Treasure Laurel' on 85 decares, 'Izmir Ball-Bearing Thyme' on 300 decares, Turkey's largest 'Anatolian Sage' fields on 1,000 decares and 'Salep' orchards on 20 decares.

Strong Demand for Salep Plants

Muğla Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Barış Saylak, noting that Muğla is one of the leading provinces in salep plant production in Turkey, stated: "There is tremendous demand for salep cultivation in our province. With the support of our TAGEM General Directorate and Research Institutes, we are taking the lead on this as Muğla. Currently we have significant salep production on 11 decares. Due to demand, we cannot meet the supply of tubers."