Başak Gecesi organized by Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture and Konya Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers on the occasion of the 176th Anniversary of Agricultural Education brought together the representatives of the agricultural sector, whose strategic importance is increasing day by day. Selçuk University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy also attended the program.

Başak Gecesi, organized by Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture and Konya Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, was held at Diltaş Wedding and Congress Center. Burak Kırkgöz, President of Konya Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, made the opening speech of the program, which started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem. Kırkgöz said, "Wherever in our country, we work day and night to fulfill all our responsibilities with a historical and national consciousness. As agricultural engineers, we have been supporting production on behalf of our country for 176 years; we act with the understanding that agriculture is a symbol of independence and the foundation of the national economy for our future generations. As Konya agricultural engineers, we know our responsibilities and we do our best to act together in this direction." 

"SÜ FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE HAS BROUGHT 8,500 ENGINEERS TO THE SECTOR"

Reminding that agricultural education started in Istanbul on January 10, 1846, Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Zeki Bayramoğlu said, "Until today, 110 thousand agricultural engineers have graduated from all agricultural faculties. Currently, 18 thousand agricultural engineer candidates are studying in 49 agricultural faculties. Founded in 1982, Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture gave its first 6 graduates in 1986. In 2001, it reached 300 graduates annually, and 8,500 students have been brought into the sector so far. Currently, one thousand 600 undergraduate and 550 graduate students are studying at Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture, where 150 academicians work."

"OUR GOAL IS TO SERVE A SELF-SUFFICIENT TURKEY"

Emphasizing that Selçuk University Faculty of Agriculture is one of the important bases of agricultural education, Selçuk University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy said, "Our faculty has been a pioneer in the creation of modern education in the world. With its laboratories, technical infrastructure, knowledge and experience of our academicians, it has become an important center of modern agricultural education and training. Our Faculty of Agriculture has played an important role in the modernization of agricultural production and the agricultural success of Konya. In a period when producing countries come to the forefront, the contributions of Selçuk University to Turkey cannot be ignored. With the introduction of our domestic and national seeds developed by our Faculty of Agriculture, we will go a long way in making agricultural production domestic and national. Because our goal is to serve a self-sufficient Turkey in science, technology, economy and agriculture. For this reason, we are working with all our strength to support agriculture, producers and domestic seeds, and we produce for our future."

"IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT AGRICULTURE IS A STRATEGIC SECTOR"

Prof. Dr. Bayram Sade, Rector of KTO Karatay University, said, "During the pandemic period, the closure in the world was very intense. This caused significant problems in the supply chain. As a result, there were problems in food supply all over the world. We watched the food shelves of developed countries remain empty. We saw people attacking to buy food products. With the pandemic, it finally became clear that agriculture is a strategic sector in the world and in our country. In our country, production did not stop and supply was not seriously disrupted. Our shelves did not remain empty. Exports of food products increased, which led to an increase in prices in the domestic market."

Başak Gecesi Program ended with a music concert and the presentation of plaques to members who have completed their 35th year in the profession.