He planted the seed of Ata, it grew taller than a human, expecting a yield of over a ton per decare

Latif Şahin, who is a farmer in Yozgat, planted the high-yield ancestral seed on a 15-decare field compared to other wheat varieties. Being the first in his region to start this, Şahin expects a yield of nearly 18 tons at harvest time from the wheat field that exceeds human height.

Latif Şahin, a farmer from Başköy village in Şefaatli district of Yozgat, procured 40 kilograms of ancestral wheat seeds from Kayseri last year. While planting Pehlivan wheat every year, Şahin, who obtained 2 tons of product from the 40 kilograms of ancestral wheat he planted in his field last year, expanded the planting area this year to 15 decare for planting ancestral seeds. Anticipating a significant decrease in grain yield due to natural disasters this year in Yozgat, Şahin, who irrigates his field where ancestral wheat seeds are planted on time, expects a higher yield compared to previous years. Pointing out that the wheat sprouted and grown has reached human height, Şahin stated that the straw obtained from ancestral seeds is more abundant compared to other wheat varieties.

‘It gives three times more yield compared to other wheat varieties’

Stating that they obtained a yield of 2 tons from the 40 kilograms of ancestral wheat they procured from Kayseri last year, Şahin said, ‘We planted it on 3-5 decare of land and got 2 tons of yield. We kept some of it and gave some to those who wanted. However, we could plant it ourselves up to 15 decare. Now, as you can see, we got two to three times more yield compared to other wheat. If other wheat varieties yield 400-500 kilograms per decare, the ancestral seed gives 1200-1300 kilograms per decare. Other wheat varieties do not cover our expenses, but with the ancestral seed, our expenses will be covered. I am planning to harvest around 17-18 tons of wheat from this 15 decare field. Let farmers come and see, see the crop. This wheat is not available everywhere. The demand is also high at the moment.’

‘It also yields more straw’

Stating that the income from ancestral seeds is three times higher compared to other wheat varieties, Şahin said, ‘We have been planting Pehlivan wheat for years, but this ancestral seed came to us, this is an opportunity for us. This is our second year. Last year we could plant up to 5 decare, if you irrigate and take good care, it will yield very good wheat. Harvest time will be on the 15th of the seventh month. If there is a bale from 10-20 meters of other wheat stems, this one is coming out from five meters, and it also has very good straw.’

Meanwhile, officials stated that this wheat in Şefaatli district is durum wheat, generally known as ‘Dallı’ wheat or ‘Prophet’ wheat, which is used in hybridization processes.