An international scientific conference on “From Genes to Smart Agriculture: Modern Biotechnologies for Sustainable Plant and Animal Husbandry” was held with the joint organization of “Gözel Seeds” and ADA University, with the participation of six leading scientists from Turkey in the field of genetics and agricultural biotechnology.
elchi reports that the possibilities of advanced genome technologies were discussed at the event for ensuring food security in the region, developing precise breeding methods, and integrating into international markets.
The conference began with opening remarks by Tahir Gözel, founder of “Gözel Seeds” company, and Matteo Vittuari, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at ADA University.
Professors invited from Turkey A. Naci Onus, Anne Frary, Sami Doganlar, Levent Mercan, Musa Kavas, Associate Professor İbrahim Çelik, as well as ADA University Professor Mehrac Abbasov, spoke at the scientific session dedicated to innovative technologies that play an important role in the development of modern agriculture. Professor Matteo Vittuari also served as the moderator of the conference.
The reports highlighted high-yield genetic sequencing, bioinformatics, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies, as well as the potential of these methods to accelerate the creation of plant varieties resistant to extreme climate conditions and emerging diseases.
Tahir Gözel, speaking before and after the scientific sessions, touched upon the commercial and strategic challenges facing the region’s agriculture. He stated that while international seed producers primarily develop productive varieties for high-tech, automated greenhouses, a significant portion of local farmers operate in medium and low-tech farms. This increases the need for seed varieties adapted to local conditions and sustainable.
Speaking about the investments made by “Gözel Seeds” in Turkey to meet existing needs, Tahir Gözel specifically emphasized the establishment of a laboratory specializing in double haploid (DH) technology and a leading molecular marker laboratory. He also drew attention to the growing role of machine learning technologies in analyzing complex genomic data. Stating the importance of applying biotechnology to the livestock sector as well, he noted the significance of breeding dairy cattle breeds adapted to local conditions.
Connecting these scientific and technological achievements with the country’s development prospects, Gözel emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening self-sufficiency in agriculture for state sovereignty:
“Exploring new horizons of scientific discovery is the greatest responsibility of modern entrepreneurs.”
Following the conference, opportunities for organizing a joint 10-14 day summer school in Baku were discussed among representatives of ADA University, scientists from Turkey, and Gözel Seeds representatives. This initiative, planned within the framework of cooperation with leading scientists, aims to provide students with the opportunity to become acquainted with advanced research technologies, deepen their specialized knowledge, and benefit from international academic experience.
It should be noted that “Gözel Seeds,” which is internationally engaged in plant breeding and seed production, uses advanced plant breeding methods such as molecular marker technologies, genetic analyses, and “double haploid” (DH) in its research. Based on its technological knowledge and research experience, the company aims to contribute to the scientific and agricultural development of Azerbaijan by promoting the application of modern breeding technologies and specialized knowledge exchange.
