The Atatürk University Crop Production Application and Research Centre, a unit with crucial significance to the agricultural sector of Erzurum and the region, continues to make significant contributions through farmer training and scientific research. The university's agricultural and animal husbandry initiatives and research are not only beneficial to the academic community but also to the local agriculture and regional economy.

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "Our University continues to fulfil its role as a pioneer in agricultural activities."


Atatürk University's Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, regards the university's agricultural initiatives as a critical strategy and is committed to their rapid advancement. The Crop Production Application and Research Centre's endeavours to enhance the efficiency of agricultural production in and around Erzurum were highlighted by Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu, who stated, "Our university is committed to the education of farmers in the region and the sustainability of the agricultural sector." The university's training programs continue to fulfil its founding mission of being a pioneer in agricultural activities. The significance of university-industry collaboration was underscored by Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, who also explained that research and development (R&D) studies are conducted in agricultural production areas that are unique to the region and are supplemented by farmer training.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu stated, "Our primary objective is to guarantee that our farmers enhance their productivity and competitiveness by conducting agricultural research that is grounded in scientific knowledge." The activities conducted in Erzurum to guarantee agricultural diversity, enhance the usability of agricultural technologies through the development of domestic animal varieties, and fortify industries that are dependent on the livestock sector are of paramount importance.

Training programs are implemented to provide women farmers with information.

The Crop Production Application and Research Centre is a pioneering institution that is not only academically distinguished but also contributes to the advancement of regional agriculture. In this context, a variety of training sessions are conducted to prepare women producers in the region to assume the role of entrepreneurs in agriculture through partnerships. Practical information, including personal care, hygiene, vegetable cultivation, compost (organic fertiliser) production and utilisation areas, is provided to women producers during the trainings. The training programs not only impart agricultural knowledge but also increase farmers' awareness of numerous topics, including personal development and social security.

The Centre's Research Contributes Significantly to Regional Agriculture

The Crop Production Application and Research Centre is not exclusively dedicated to education; it also makes significant contributions to the region's agriculture through research. The facility is making a concerted effort to incorporate cutting-edge production methods that are appropriate for the agricultural regions in the vicinity. Trials to enhance the efficacy of agricultural products, including sugar beetroot, cereals, and livestock crops, are among the research conducted in the field of crop production.
The use of new generation tractors and equipment to conduct production activities and establish fully automated irrigation systems are notable initiatives in the trial areas. It is intended to enhance the efficiency of agricultural production in the vicinity of Erzurum in this manner. Furthermore, it is intended to reduce the production durations of a variety of products by conducting research and development studies, in accordance with the protocols established with public institutions and private sector representatives.

Developing an Understanding of Agriculture at a Young Age

The Crop Production Application and Research Centre at Atatürk University not only educates current producers but also minors on agricultural matters. Education programs are implemented at an early age to guarantee that future generations develop an appreciation for the significance of agriculture. The objective of these trainings is to assist children in fostering a more intimate relationship with the environment and nature, as well as to acquire fundamental knowledge about agricultural activities and to create sustainable solutions in this area for the future.

To ensure the preservation of ecological balance and sustainable agriculture, measures are implemented.

The Crop Production Application and Research Centre's additional objective is to guarantee the preservation of ecological equilibrium through agricultural production. Atatürk University intends to mitigate the environmental consequences of agriculture by implementing initiatives that adhere to the principles of sustainability in regional agriculture. In this context, research is being conducted to optimise water utilisation in agriculture, safeguard soil health, and implement production methods that do not disrupt local ecosystems.

Centre Director Kaymak: ‘We Aim for a Total Development with University-Community Cooperation’

Stating that Atatürk University Crop Production Application and Research Centre plays an important role in improving the agricultural production of the region, providing training for farmers and contributing to the agricultural sector with scientific research, Centre Director Prof. Dr. Haluk Çağlar Kaymak: ‘The academic knowledge and applied research provided by the university aims to make the agricultural sector in Erzurum more competitive and efficient at national and international level.

Prof. Dr. Kaymak: ‘While trainings, researches and projects make great contributions to the agriculture of the region, important steps are taken for a sustainable agricultural future. In this context, our centre, which carries out important studies in order to provide students with practical training, to increase the agricultural productivity of the city and to ensure a total development with university-society cooperation, will continue to work with this responsibility.’

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE - 12.11.2024