Ministry of Agriculture Inspects National Botanic Garden Projects
· Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry showcased its local seed garden, hydroponic greenhouse, and Agricultural Biodiversity Museum projects at the National Botanic Garden of Turkey.
Harvest at the Local Seed Garden
The National Botanic Garden of Turkey, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, hosted an inspection visit aimed at preserving heirloom seeds and showcasing agricultural production. Emine Erdoğan, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı and Deputy Minister Ahmet Bağcı, toured the 'Our Heritage Local Seed Garden' established in 2024. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 24 different vegetables and fruits grown from heirloom seeds were harvested in the garden, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, shamama melon, beans, and corn.
During the harvest, the President's spouse, Emine Erdoğan, made the following statement:
"We had our harvest today."
Hydroponic Farming and Production
As part of the visit, the sapling production area and the Ornamental Plants Production Center were inspected, and information was obtained about the production stages of various species. Subsequently, the Hydroponic Greenhouse, featuring igloo architecture, was toured to evaluate modern cultivation methods. Officials explained the production stages of plants such as lettuce, basil, arugula, parsley, and strawberries grown using the nutrient film technique applied in this area. While on-site examples of hydroponic farming practices that save water and space in Turkey were examined, the inverted cedar tree and various plant species in the landscape area were also observed.
Visit to the Agricultural Biodiversity Museum
The delegation conducted inspections at the Agricultural Biodiversity Museum, which was registered with special museum status by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2024. The museum displayed cultural plants, wild species, herbarium collections, and ethnobiological materials reflecting the rich flora of Anatolia. During the visit, galleries featuring medicinal plants, essential oil-bearing species, oilseed crops, spices, and cereals were explored. While examining biological elements from forest, steppe, and meadow ecosystems, as well as traditional handicrafts made from natural materials, the delegation also met with children in the library.
Ministry's Emphasis on Biodiversity and Seeds
At the end of the visit, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı presented a painting symbolizing local wheat varieties. Evaluating the inspections, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated the following:
"We visited our National Botanic Garden with esteemed Emine Erdoğan. We conducted inspections at the Agricultural Biodiversity Museum, Our Heritage Local Seed Garden, Ornamental Plants Production Center, and Hydroponic Greenhouse within the garden. In our garden, which scientifically documents natural wealth and preserves Anatolia's unique flora for the future, we harvested the organic products grown within the scope of the 'Our Heritage Local Seed Project.' This area, visited by thousands of citizens every week, where our children connect with nature and our heirloom seeds meet the soil, holds great importance for both our present and our future. I thank all my colleagues who contributed and express our gratitude to the esteemed First Lady for honoring this meaningful project with her patronage."