Local Land Produces 97% of our Seeds
Minister Yumaklı Supports Agricultural Production with Seed Distribution Program
Minister Yumaklı recently participated in a seed distribution program organized at the Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry as part of the “Project for Improving the Use of Agricultural Lands”. The aim of this project is to activate agricultural lands throughout Turkey in order to increase agricultural production.
During the event, Minister Yumaklı emphasized the importance of seeds in agriculture, stating that everything starts with seeds. He also highlighted the significance of achieving self-sufficiency in seeds in Turkey. Currently, 40 percent of the seeds used in the country are certified seeds, a number that the government is working to increase.
Yumaklı pointed out that the seed industry is a strategic sector that plays a vital role in ensuring food security. Turkey is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of seed production, with approximately 1.3 million tons of seeds produced annually. Additionally, Turkish seed companies have made significant progress in exporting seeds to 117 countries.
In Şanlıurfa, a key region for seed production, 59 companies produce seeds through contractual production on around 1 million decares of land. The city is known for producing 12 different types of certified seeds, with approximately 2,150 tons exported annually.
As part of the project to activate the use of agricultural lands, Minister Yumaklı announced plans to distribute seeds for lentil, soybean, oil sunflower, winter vegetable, and rice production in 2024. The government will also provide grants ranging from 65 to 70 percent for these crops in Şanlıurfa.
Overall, the project aims to plant 150 thousand decares of land and support cotton producers with payments totaling 1.6 billion lira for diesel and fertilizer support. Minister Yumaklı expressed his commitment to expanding these initiatives in the future.
Following the distribution of seeds to farmers, Minister Yumaklı met with sector representatives for an evaluation meeting. He was accompanied by AK Party Şanlıurfa MPs, Şanlıurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak, and other officials.
The event showcased the government’s dedication to supporting agricultural production and ensuring food security through strategic initiatives like seed distribution programs.
