Kırşehir Ahi Evran University (KAEU) Faculty of Agriculture, in close collaboration with the Agricultural Practice and Research Center (Ahi TUAM), continues to monitor crop varieties identified through previous R&D studies as suitable for the region’s ecological conditions. As part of the 2024 production season, the “Bayraktar 2000” wheat variety, known for its drought resistance, was cultivated in the university's trial fields, yielding successful results.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Çınar, emphasized that the region received approximately 45% less precipitation than the long-term annual average this year, leading to severe drought conditions. Highlighting the importance of selecting the right variety under such extreme climate stress, Prof. Dr. Çınar reported that the Bayraktar 2000 variety produced a yield of 200–220 kg/da, exceeding the regional average. He noted that while many farmers in the region obtained yields ranging from 50 to 120 kg/da, the university's application of dry farming techniques and appropriate variety selection—guided by scientific research—demonstrated a tangible reduction in the impact of drought.
Rector of KAEU, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, also commented on the issue, drawing attention to the global and environmental threat that drought poses to agriculture and food production. He underlined the importance of the R&D efforts conducted by the Faculty of Agriculture and expressed satisfaction with the successful outcomes achieved by cultivating varieties suited to local drought conditions. Rector Karahocagil further noted that food security has become an international concern and emphasized that such initiatives carry critical value for the future of agriculture in Türkiye. He extended his appreciation to the faculty members contributing to these efforts.
These scientific efforts, which offer sustainable solutions in the fight against drought and aim to improve agricultural productivity, have also attracted national media attention and earned public appreciation.
