The opening ceremony of the Tarımsan Engineering R&D Laboratory, established within the High Technology Application and Research Center (YUTAM) in collaboration with Erzurum Technical University (ETU) and Tarımsan Engineering Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Company, was held.

The laboratory was set up with the aim of conducting joint scientific research and R&D activities with Tarımsan Engineering, a company providing fertilizers, machinery, seeds, spare parts, and agricultural chemicals to international standards. The opening ceremony was attended by Erzurum Deputy Governor Ahmet Ozdemir, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak, Erzurum Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Alparslan Kenger, KOSGEB Erzurum Provincial Director Lutfullah Aktas, Tarımsan Engineering A.Ş. Manager Alper Kucuk, academics, and many invited guests.

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Bezirganoglu from ETU’s Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, emphasized that increasing the production and use of certified seeds is a top priority in seed-related policies. He stated, “In our laboratory, which we are inaugurating today in collaboration with Tarımsan Engineering A.Ş., innovative research will be conducted to increase plant yield and develop resistance to plant diseases using biotechnological methods.”

Alper Kucuk, Manager of Tarımsan Engineering A.Ş., noted that key issues in producing certified domestic and national seeds include R&D activities and the need for soil with low foreign fertilization potential. He expressed gratitude to ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak for his enthusiasm and support for domestic and national seed production, saying, “With ETU’s support in the coming period, we will develop and produce productive seeds for our country.”

Rector Cakmak emphasized the global significance of the seed issue, saying, "We faced criticism for establishing a university on agricultural land when we determined our campus area for this region." Over the past decade, our president has prioritized domestic and national seed production, and we currently use almost half of our campus area—more than 1500 decares—for this purpose. I don’t think there is another university with half of its land dedicated to technological agriculture. The laboratory we are opening today will be the best response to those criticisms.”

Emphasizing the importance of investments in agriculture and animal husbandry, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen said, “If we want to be successful in agriculture, we need to evaluate how we can achieve the highest yields and income-generating products. This laboratory will focus on such studies. We are now capable of producing seeds, medicines, and fertilizers. Fortunately, our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has established an important seed bank, and we have started producing many domestic seeds.”

Deputy Governor Ahmet Ozturk emphasized the importance of seeds for countries' futures, stating, "We live in a world where global competition is intensifying every day." In this competitive environment, the most effective way to succeed and strengthen national economies is through investments in research and development activities.”

Following the speeches, the program continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and concluded with a tour of the laboratory and the field.

Corporate Communication  Directorate, 15.08.2024