Social Responsibility Projects

After 4 Years of Work,

Yudum and Tohum Association Introduce 100% Domestic Sunflower Seed to Turkish Agriculture

A significant milestone has been achieved in the social responsibility project initiated four years ago by Turkey’s most beloved sunflower oil brand, Yudum, in cooperation with the Tohum Association. The newly developed domestic sunflower seed variety, named YDM 2239, which has proven to be more productive than existing seeds through trials conducted entirely using national resources, is now available for Turkish agriculture. This new domestic seed offers high yield and robust resistance to diseases and pests.

Launched in 2021, the Domestic Sunflower Seed Development and Farmer Support Project has achieved exemplary results through collaboration among public institutions, industry partners, and civil society. Various agricultural research institutes across the country, especially the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, provided technical support to the project.

The YDM 2239 domestic sunflower seed, developed as part of the project initiated by Yudum and Tohum Association, was officially registered and introduced to farmers. The seed is tailored to Turkey’s climate conditions, combining productivity and resilience.

Since its inception in 2021, the project has conducted annual trial plantings in Turkey’s key sunflower-producing regions, including Trakya, Konya, Adana, and most recently Eskişehir. A network of leading farmers was established to support the initiative, providing not only seeds but also hands-on training and technical guidance.

YDM 2239: High Yield, Disease-Resistant Domestic Seed

Named after the Yudum brand, the YDM 2239 seed underwent trials in Trakya, Konya, and Adana. Post-harvest analyses confirmed that YDM 2239 ranked highest in terms of productivity and oil content. One of its standout features is its exceptional performance in both irrigated and dry conditions. In trials conducted in Konya, YDM 2239 achieved yields of up to 235 kg per decare, with an impressive oil content of approximately 45%.

The seed’s high tolerance against diseases and pests provides another significant advantage, ensuring resilience against unexpected conditions during the growing season.

Additionally, sunflower heads produced from YDM 2239 have a tilted orientation, offering improved protection against sunburn and bird damage compared to other varieties. With a more competitive price point, YDM 2239 is anticipated to become a preferred choice among farmers.