04.04.2026 22:50
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı clarified the discussions regarding Turkey's seed production and imports. Yumaklı firmly rejected the claims that seeds are imported from Israel, emphasizing that Turkey has a strong production infrastructure that is self-sufficient in this area and even exports.
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, made important statements regarding Turkey's seed production and import. Yumaklı firmly rejected the claims that seeds are imported from Israel, emphasizing that Turkey has a strong production capacity in this area.
CLEAR RESPONSE TO IMPORT CLAIMS
Minister Yumaklı clarified the circulating claims by stating, "We do not import a single seed from Israel." He emphasized that Turkey is a country that produces and develops its own seeds.
Yumaklı continued: "In fact, all our relations were cut off in May 2024. It is not possible for such a thing to happen, but unfortunately, that perspective which belittles the producers of this country does not refrain from making this fabrication, and we should express this as well. Encouraging producers to engage in production is our biggest and primary duty. In this regard, we are especially trying to be with you during field visits. We are concerned with how we can take a step further by bringing together what our friends have conveyed to us and what you have told us. One of these is this project. We initiated this project to process uncultivated lands or to produce some important products for our country that have been abandoned. In the last 5 years, the resources we have allocated for this project have exceeded 2 billion liras. This will continue to increase."
SEED EXPORT TO 117 COUNTRIES
Yumaklı stated that Turkey not only meets its own needs but also exported seeds to 117 countries last year. He mentioned that domestic production has reached a strong position in the international market.
MAJOR INCREASE IN PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Yumaklı noted that seed production, which was 145 thousand tons in 2002, has now reached 1 million 351 thousand tons, emphasizing that 96% of the seeds are produced in Turkey.
ANCIENT SEEDS AND GENEBANK
Yumaklı stated that Turkey has 1537 varieties of seeds, and these seeds are preserved in gene banks. He also mentioned that 49 local and ancient seed varieties have been registered.