Two new types of bananas have been added to the Alanya variety: "Parmak" and "Red"
In Turkey, of the annual banana production of over 900,000 tons, 160,000 tons are grown in Alanya. In addition to the Alanya banana, which has been certified as a geographically unique product for its flavor, production has started on two new varieties with higher economic value: the "Red" and "Finger" bananas.
Bananas, which hold an important share in Antalya's agricultural output, were introduced to Alanya in the first quarter of the 1900s when a local trader brought a banana plant back from Egypt and planted it in his garden. Initially, the fruit was not consumed because it was thought to be poisonous when the first fruits ripened. The household servant, who saw ants and other insects eating the fallen ripe bananas, decided to try it, ending the rumor that the bananas were poisonous. Thus, the first banana production in Alanya began in the 1920s. Over time, banana cultivation spread across a 200-kilometer coastal area from Serik and Manavgat to Anamur in Mersin. With increased yield due to greenhouse cultivation, bananas became highly popular on the domestic market. Known for their short stature, resistance to cold and wind, and aromatic flavor, Alanya bananas received a geographical indication certificate in 2022.
"RED DACCA" AND FINGER BANANAS
In Alanya, where 160,000 tons of bananas are produced annually, efforts have begun to diversify production and promote exports. Research and development by the Alanya Agricultural Chamber has focused on adding two new varieties to Alanya’s banana production. One variety is the red banana, also known as "Red Dacca," which is grown in South America and Asia and is enjoyed by many. The other is the visually distinctive finger banana. Production of these new varieties, planted on two acres each, has been completed, and tests on their resistance to environmental and climate conditions, as well as their yield, have concluded. Once seedling production is finalized, the new varieties are expected to be made available to growers to expand production.
160,000 TONS OF ANNUAL PRODUCTION
Chairman of the Alanya Agricultural Chamber, Tahir Göktepe, stated that since the 2000s, year-round banana supply to consumers has been achieved through greenhouse production. Göktepe noted that in Alanya, 9,500 decares are used for greenhouse production and 12,000 decares are for open-field cultivation. "Thanks to its vitamins, minerals, aroma, and high yield per unit area, the Alanya banana received geographical indication. In Alanya, we produce 160,000 tons of bananas. Turkey’s production capacity is approximately 900,000 tons, while consumption is around 1 million tons. We are able to meet our national demand. By switching to greenhouse production, we ensure year-round production, increasing farmers' incomes and contributing to the national economy. We have reduced imports by 70%," he said.
RED BANANA EQUIVALENT TO ALANYA BANANA
Göktepe explained that Alanya bananas are consumed domestically: "Due to the thin peel and high sugar content, they have a shorter shelf life, which makes export difficult. Since we meet domestic demand, we do not export them. We are introducing new varieties, one of which is red and the other finger banana. Both varieties have commercial value. The red banana has a firm texture and a thick peel, making it suitable for export. We are in the initial production stages. We are currently testing on two acres. Due to its appearance, longer shelf life, and differences in fiber and peel thickness, we believe it will be economically successful once production begins. In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is equivalent to the Alanya banana."
FINGER BANANA HAS HIGHER YIELD
Göktepe highlighted that the finger banana, with its distinctive appearance, has economic value: "The finger banana has a thin peel, but it has the potential for higher yield per unit area. We are conducting tests. We are trying to cultivate it using tissue culture and offshoots that grow from the base of the seedling. In our research and development greenhouses, we aim to grow new banana varieties and distribute the seedlings to our farmers," he said.
