Villagers Begin Producing Lavender Oil

Lavender, which attracts tourism with its purple fields in Isparta, is used in numerous sectors, particularly cosmetics, through its oil. Villagers have begun producing lavender oil using traditional methods. Lavender oil production has started in Kuyucak village, located approximately 50 kilometres from the city centre and recently recognized for its lavender fields and products. In the village where 280 people live, approximately 90 percent of Turkey's lavender production is generated. Known as the 'lavender-scented village', Kuyucak is engaged in intensive lavender oil production. Oils obtained from lavender, used in various sectors particularly cosmetics, are exported to many countries. Lavender oil is expected to sell at TRY 400-450 per kilogram this year.

Soner Altın, who stated that he has been producing lavender oil for 6 years, commented as follows on the subject:

"We collectively send them to suppliers in 30-kilogram bottles, who generally export them abroad. It is a major source of income for our village; 5-6 people like myself are involved in production in the village. Lavender collected from 5,000 decares of land is bundled and pressed into 300-kilogram cauldrons. We obtain 1 kilogram of oil from 50 kilograms of lavender. We have just pressed 300 kilograms of lavender into the cauldron and expect to get about 6 kilograms of lavender oil. I will process 15 tonnes of lavender throughout the season."

Oil extraction in industrial machinery is more advantageous

Producer Altın, noting that lavender oils extracted in industrial machinery are more advantageous compared to traditional machinery, continued as follows: "Traditional machines are somewhat more difficult in terms of production and labour. With traditional methods, you can press 50 kilograms of lavender at a time. There is a 5-hour processing period. The maximum lavender you can process daily is 200 kilograms but with industrial machinery operating 24 hours, you can process 2-3 tonnes of lavender. Industrial processing is faster and labour is simpler, which is why it is somewhat more advantageous."