THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Cihat Kürşat Kaya, Chair of the Seed Distributors Sub-Union (TODAB), stated that unregistered seed sales threaten producers’ incomes. “This problem can be solved through effective market inspections. Furthermore, a self-regulatory mechanism can be established in the sector by awarding a prize to producers who adhere to ethical rules,” he said.
Kaya told an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter that Türkiye made significant progress in the sector with Seed Law No. 5553, enacted in 2006 and that the importance of certified seed has been scientifically proven and widely accepted.
Kaya pointed out that certified seed increases yields by 15 to 25 percent because its genetic purity is guaranteed, it is disease-free and it has a standard quality. He reported that this increase is even higher for some crops.
Highligting that yields in potatoes and maize can reach up to 30-40 percent with certified seed, he noted, “Furthermore, the risk of disease and pests is reduced and the amount of pesticides and fertilizers used is reduced, resulting in a 10-15 percent savings in input costs.”
Kaya also reminded that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has implemented support policies for many years to expand the use of certified seeds, explaining that TODAB and the industry are also informing producers through training programs, books, brochures and promotional films.
Emphasizing that unregistered practices in the seed market, which directly impact yield per unit area and producer earnings, threaten producers’ incomes, he added, “The presence of uncertified, unlabeled and unregulated seeds, which are being marketed for commercial purposes without control, creates serious unfair competition, in addition to farmers who reserve seeds from their own crops.”
