In Aydın, according to 2026 Çiftçi Kayıt Sistemi data, 72% of the sunflower production carried out on an area of 218,051 decares took place in Söke, and the cultivated areas of sunflower, which stands out with its drought-resistant structure, were examined.
While the trend towards alternative crops is increasing in Aydın due to drought and dwindling water resources, Söke district continues to be the driving force of the city in sunflower production. According to 2026 Çiftçi Kayıt Sistemi (ÇKS) data, 72% of the sunflower production areas across Aydın are located in Söke. The data shows that 2,759 producers in Aydın cultivate sunflowers on a total area of 218,051 decares, while in Söke, 1,699 producers cultivate on an area of 158,655 decares. Thus, approximately 72% of the sunflower cultivation areas across the province are met by Söke alone. Sunflower, which is considered among the water-efficient crops due to its high adaptation ability to drought and deep root structure, continues to be one of the most preferred crops by producers in recent years.
In this context, teams from the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry conducted inspections in the cultivated areas of Söke district, where sunflower production is intensive. During the visit, evaluations were made regarding the current state of production, harvest expectations, and the development process of the plants. While the developmental stages of sunflowers and their adaptation to drought conditions were examined during phenological observations carried out in the field, officials from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry wished producers a fruitful and profitable harvest season. - AYDIN