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The Hemp Research Institute at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) is conducting studies to obtain high-value products from hemp cultivated and bred in its experimental fields.

Established in 2019 as Türkiye's first hemp research institute, the OMU Hemp Research Institute conducts annual hemp cultivation for use in research.

The hemp, primarily planted in experimental fields in the Vezirköprü and Bafra districts, is harvested and used in scientific studies at the OMU Hemp Research Institute, including pharmaceutical applications, variety development, and purification, to transform it into high-value products.

Projects carried out by the Hemp Research Institute focus on developing various products from hemp, including bricks, insulation materials, clothing, animal feed, and even rocket casings.

At OMU Ladik Vocational School, students enrolled in the Hemp Weaving Technology Program learn traditional motifs alongside techniques to utilize hemp more efficiently and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

"Narlı" Variety Registered by OMU and Introduced to Farmers

OMU Hemp Research Institute Director Prof. Dr. Selim Aytaç told Anadolu Agency that their 2015 hemp breeding project was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK).

As a result of this project, two varieties, "Vezir" and "Narlı," were developed. Aytaç noted that while the Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute registered the "Vezir" variety, the "Narlı" variety was registered by OMU and made available to farmers.

Prof. Aytaç emphasized that seeds produced and improved by the university are distributed to producers through a partner company. This year, hemp was cultivated on 13,500 hectares in Samsun, Amasya, and Kastamonu.

Studies on Multifaceted Applications Underway

Aytaç anticipates an increase in hemp cultivation in Türkiye in the coming years. "The work being done here can be considered a multiplier effect of the TÜBİTAK-supported breeding project. At the Hemp Institute, there are ongoing studies on agriculture and breeding," he said.

Highlighting the institute’s projects in construction, pharmaceuticals, and the chemical industry, Aytaç added:

"We are researching the diverse applications of hemp. For instance, we are working on using hemp in beehive production. We are also studying the plant's wound-healing and surface-renewing properties. Additionally, purification studies are underway. Soon, we will apply for approval to produce hemp for pharmaceutical purposes."