Karatay Municipality has started the “Karatay Heirloom” project. The aim of the project is to preserve and transfer seeds that have not lost their nutritional value and naturalness to the future. In this context, anyone who makes a request using the “Yanıbaşımda Karatay” (Karatay Beside Me) mobile application of Karatay Municipality can obtain heirloom free of charge. Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca said that “Konya is one of Turkey’s most important centers in agriculture. Our project brings beauty to our future. I believe that it will add a special value to our city and agriculture.

“Ata Tohumu” (ancestor seeds or heirloom), have natural and unaltered genetic characteristics. These seeds are known for being untouched by genetic manipulation in any laboratory setting, preserving their DNA sequence. They are praised for their high flavour and nutritional value as crops. Due to their retained fertility, these seeds can reproduce and have sustainable properties.

Best for Natural Cultivation

Heirlooms derived from the rich agricultural products of Anatolia, is best suited for cultivation under natural conditions. The various tomato varieties of ancestor seeds can easily thrive in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Chemical fertilizers or excessive fertilization are not necessary for their cultivation. Meeting natural needs such as water, nutrients, and sunlight is sufficient for obtaining yield from the plants. The products examined within the Heirloom Movement are propagated by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, utilizing the natural development processes of plants. This ensures that the products maintain their natural richness in vitamins and minerals without any alteration. These seeds are suitable for both professional farming and hobby cultivation. With their unaltered genetics, high flavour, and nutritional values, ancestor seeds maintain their fertility, contributing to their sustainable nature. This characteristic adds importance to the passing down of ancestral seeds as a cultural heritage from generation to generation.

UNPROCESSED AND NON GENETICLY MODIFIED CONTENT

Ancestor seeds has become a popular choice for a healthy lifestyle. Its key feature is being unprocessed in a laboratory environment, maintaining its original genetics and being entirely produced through natural means. The untouched nature and the absence of additives contribute positively to the increase in seed production, making it a preferred choice for a healthy lifestyle.

ANCESTOR SEEDS ON APP

Karatay Municipality, at certain times of the year, announces suitable planting schedules and accepts applications from citizens who want to obtain heirlooms. In response to these requests, the municipality implements the “Heirloom Project” and provides these seeds as gifts to anyone interested. Citizens who download the municipality’s “Yanıbaşımda Karatay” mobile application can plant these natural and nutrient-rich ancestor seeds in their gardens. The available seed varieties include Kapya red pepper seeds, hair pepper seeds, village pepper seeds, seven-spice pepper seeds, corn seeds, watermelon seeds, cucumber seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

“Yanıbaşımda Karatay” Mobile Application is Online

Karatay Municipality, adapting to the changes in information technologies, continuously updates its technological infrastructure. In order to provide municipal services and facilitate citizens’ access to services, Karatay Municipality has launched the “Yanıbaşımda Karatay” (Karatay Beside Me) mobile application. The application, available on operating systems like Apple Store and Google Play Store, quickly gaines significant attention from the public.

The newly designed mobile application, created with great care entirely by Karatay Municipality personnel, receives high praise from citizens due to its user-friendly interface and interactive design.

Yanıbaşımda Karatay” mobile application offers various conveniences to citizens. In the “Online Transactions” section of the application, citizens can make tax payments to the municipality and inquire about zoning status. Additionally, citizens can apply for the “Welcome Baby” initiative in this section. Clicking on “My Project” under the “Online Transactions” tab allows citizens to upload any ideas or projects related to Karatay.