In a significant breakthrough for Turkish agriculture, entrepreneur Yakup Karahan has dedicated his life to the seed industry, bringing 23 indigenous potato seed varieties to fruition.
Establishing a laboratory in Nevşehir in 2000, 62-year-old Karahan embarked on a mission to combat Turkey’s dependence on foreign potato seeds, ultimately aiming to establish the country as a global leader in potato seed production.
After gaining experience in the sector over five years, Karahan launched his own company, Doğa Tohumculuk Doku Kültür Laboratuvarı, with the goal of eliminating external reliance on potato seeds. Through relentless dedication, Karahan successfully introduced 23 indigenous seed varieties, including “Kafkas,” “Bahar,” “Yankı,” and “Yaprak,” to the Turkish agricultural landscape.
Karahan’s journey began with a conversation with a Dutch seed company representative, where he voiced concerns about the quality of imported seeds. This encounter ignited his passion to revolutionize the industry, leading to the establishment of his laboratory.
Despite initial challenges, including mold issues during tissue culture propagation, Karahan persisted. With the help of international experts and the dedication of his team, success was eventually achieved after 22 years of relentless effort.
The significance of Karahan’s work extends beyond domestic borders, with plans to export to Europe. Several varieties, including “Kafkas,” “Bahar,” “Yankı,” and “Yaprak,” have already received European certification. With an annual production capacity of approximately 40,000 tons, Karahan aims to sell 10,000 tons of seeds to Europe this year, further solidifying Turkey’s position as a key player in the global seed market.
Through his pioneering efforts, Karahan has not only transformed the Turkish potato farming landscape but has also secured the country’s food security by ensuring the availability of high-quality, indigenous potato seeds for years to come.
