May 31, 2010

The yield and quality of wheat grown in Konya Plain, Central Anatolia, Turkey has increased according to studies conducted by the Konya Exchange of Commerce (KTB).

The most important aspects of quality wheat production are the struggle against the Sunn pest, one of the most serious pests for wheat and barley, and using certified seeds, according to KTB Chairman UÄŸur Kaleli.

"We are implementing a biological struggle method against the Sunn pest in Konya. We can produce sufficient amount of parasitoid, a useful bug, for some regions in our laboratory that we established within the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture. In this sense, we are fulfilling our responsibilities. The institutions are doing their best. But the efforts of farmers is the most important point in this issue," Kaleli said.

"We are experiencing a great increase in both the yield and quality of wheat and barley this year," Kaleli said. "We think that the studies conducted have had a great contribution to this increase."

Last year, 18,000 tonnes of certified seeds were used in Konya while farmers used nearly 40,000 certified seeds this year. "The increase in certified seed usage has had a positive impact in the increase of quality. We had 2.7 million tonnes of wheat last year. I believe that we will increase the quality rate to 20% this year," Kaleli said.

Wheat production is expected to increase to 2.78 million tonnes this year.

"Our aim is to boost the wheat quality, which is 10%, into the high segment over 50% within five years," he said, adding that raising the quality of grain in Konya Plain was essential.

"The harvest should be done at the correct time, when the moisture degree of grain is at 14 or 15 degrees Celsius. Farmers should pay attention as this method also increases the quality," he said.