It is aimed to both have an economic contribution and increase employment in Bozkır district of Konya by grafting pistachio into terebinths.
Farmers have been growing various products such as grape, strawberry, pomegranate, olive, fig and jujube in the Hamzalar neighbourhood of Bozkır district through which Göksu river flows. Farmers have grafted pistachio into terebinths around the area. About two years ago, farmers applied a trial period and grafted pistachio as an alternative product into some terebinth trees. As a result, they were able to get more products than they expected. Farmers have completed grafting job all around the neighbourhood on their own and nowadays they want to enlarge the production area. Mustafa Er, the responsible in the neighbourhood, stated that “If we are supported, it will be beneficial to the area. After grafting terebinth trees we were able to get pistachios. And it has been marketed for 70 TL per kilogram. I want our citizens to be supported to increase the production. First, terebinth trees should be planted. After that, if we are able to look after grafted trees, it will be better for us. In the end, the marketing will bring lots of benefits to our citizens. We are looking forward to supports from officials and the ministry of food, agriculture and livestock. We have given a start this year and I hope it will continue.”