Domestic seeds dominate Turkish agriculture as 97% used locally

Turkish farmers rely heavily on domestically produced seeds, using them for 97% of their agricultural needs, underscoring Türkiye’s robust self-sufficiency in seed production.

Türkiye also exports indigenous seeds to 117 nations, showcasing its role as a key player in the international seed market.

Minister emphasizes boost in domestic seed development

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli reaffirmed efforts to enhance domestic seed breeding and development, underscoring ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing Türkiye’s seed industry.

TAGEM’s role in seed improvement

The General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, plays a pivotal role in enhancing domestic seed production through breeding and development programs.

• In 2024 alone, TAGEM registered 51 new seed varieties:
  • 7 varieties of bread wheat
  • 6 varieties of barley
  • 4 varieties of sunflower (2 lines-2 types)
  • 3 varieties each of coriander, dry beans and chickpeas
  • 2 varieties each of durum wheat, rice, catchweed bedstraw, mustard (1 white-1 brown mustard), annual ryegrass, flax (fiber), potatoes, tobacco
  • 1 variety each of white clover, rosemary, dyer’s woad, perennial ryegrass, lentils, fennel, soybeans, oil turnip, oats

A milestone in seed variety registration

Yumakli announced a significant achievement in Türkiye’s seed diversity with 1,004 varieties now registered under TAGEM’s auspices in the National Variety List of Field Crops, showcasing Türkiye’s commitment to agricultural innovation.

Türkiye’s global competitiveness in seed production

With 97% of seeds used domestically and significant growth in certified seed production over the past 22 years, Türkiye solidifies its position among the top 10 countries globally in seed production.

Additionally, 40% of seeds used in Türkiye originate from varieties registered by TAGEM.

Türkiye’s seed exports extend to 117 countries, highlighting its role as a major supplier in the global seed market, further bolstering its agricultural economy.