The closing ceremony of the 'Domestic and National Purple Carrot Breeding Project with Konya Plain Project (KOP),' carried out in collaboration between Selçuk University and KOP Regional Development Administration, was held.
The meeting, held at the museum building, was attended by Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy, the Rector of Selçuk University, Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu, the President of KOP Regional Development Administration, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tuğrul Polat, the Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Sait Gezgin, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, teaching staff involved in the project, representatives from KOP Regional Development Administration, and students.
Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu, the President of the KOP Regional Development Administration, emphasized the strategic importance of Konya and its region in carrot production. He stated that according to the 2022 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the region produces 550,000 tons of carrots on an area of 85,000 hectares. Dr. Karakoyunlu highlighted the need to break free from seed dependence and enhance seed production using domestic resources, which would contribute not only to the regional economy but also to the national economy. He further mentioned that the 'Domestic and National Purple Carrot Breeding Project' offers additional advantages beyond seed development. This versatile product, which can be used in various sectors from food to textiles, will contribute to our industry with its natural coloring properties, reduce import quantities, facilitate price stabilization, and meet the raw material needs for exports by relying on domestic market conditions."
After the program, the Selçuk University Museum, which houses approximately 2,500 artifacts from different continents and civilizations, was visited.
