5 kovanla başladı, eşinin hayalini yılda 500 kilogram bal üreterek yaşatıyor

Hatice Kozluca, who lives in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta, continues her beekeeping hobby, a dream she and her husband started during their retirement, alone after losing him to cancer, producing approximately 500 kilograms of honey annually. A mother of three residing in Kozluca village, Hatice Kozluca has continued her beekeeping activities, which she started with her husband about four years ago, even after his death. She stated that they started with 5 hives and have now reached 25, aiming to increase the number to 50 next year. Kozluca said they produce approximately 500 kilograms of natural flower honey annually. She explained that there is demand for her honey from various provinces across Türkiye, and that most orders come from customers who have previously chosen her products. Kozluca noted that orders are placed even before the honey is fully produced, adding that high-quality production leads to customer satisfaction and that she has not experienced any marketing problems to date. Kozluca emphasized that the region is suitable for producing high-quality highland honey thanks to its lavender, thyme, and rich vegetation, and noted that the high altitude also contributes to the aroma and quality of the honey. - Free propolis for cancer patients Kozluca stated that she very much wanted to produce propolis, a bee product, during her husband's cancer treatment but did not have the opportunity, and that she also produces propolis herself. Expressing that she is closely familiar with the process experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment, Kozluca said that she gives propolis to cancer patients free of charge if their doctor deems it appropriate. Kozluca explained that when she started beekeeping, she received comments from those around her such as "A woman can't be a beekeeper," and that she learned beekeeping by participating in trainings organized by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Emphasizing that beekeeping is not only an economic activity for her, Kozluca explained that spending time with the hives gives her peace, and that she is happy to contribute to her children's education with the income she earns. Her son, Ali Kağan Kozluca, who is studying mechanical engineering on a full scholarship at a private university, also said that he comes to the village in the summer months to support his mother. Kozluca, who helps her mother with the transportation, maintenance, and repair of the beehives, noted that beekeeping makes a significant contribution to the family budget and education expenses. The role of women producers in rural development is strengthening On the other hand, Isparta Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Mehmet Tuğrul and his delegation visited Hatice Kozluca's production area and conducted inspections. Tuğrul noted that there are approximately 40,000 beehives in Isparta, and approximately 240 tons of honey are produced from these beehives annually. Stating that rose and lavender production is intensive in the city, Tuğrul said that there is demand for lavender honey from many provinces of Türkiye. Drawing attention to the fact that beekeeping, when properly planned, is a production area that makes a significant contribution to the family economy, Tuğrul added that the role of women producers in rural development is strengthening day by day.