Trying to grow heirloom seeds between apartment buildings

Adem Helvacıoğlu, who lives in Sivas, continues to cultivate heirloom seeds in the heart of the city amidst apartment buildings, alongside his wife. Despite the popularity of imported seeds among farmers, the Helvacıoğlu couple is dedicated to preserving and passing on traditional seeds to future generations. They note that while imported seeds, often from Israel, have high yields, they are generally single-use and do not allow for replanting. "Imported seeds are high-yielding but are typically uniform. Israeli seeds can only be planted once. Although our heirloom seeds yield less, they are sustainable. Each year, I collect the harvest, extract the seeds, and dry them. I grow my own seedlings," says Helvacıoğlu. They aim to not only preserve heirloom seeds but also promote an environmentally friendly and sustainable farming approach.

Helvacıoğlu points out that heirloom seeds are facing extinction: “No one is willing to continue growing heirloom seeds. We have tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and squash in our garden. We’ve been doing this for about 35 years, growing everything with heirloom seeds. But now, we have no space left to plant. We’re trying to cultivate heirloom seeds among the apartments. Bean harvest time has arrived. We collect them with my wife. Harvesting beans is very labor-intensive, so I planted only a small amount. The children don’t come to help. No one will bother continuing heirloom seeds. Most people prefer imported seeds, which have high yields but are generally uniform.”

He adds, “Most farmers prefer Israeli seeds, which are planted once and cannot be replanted the following year. Farmers have to buy new seeds each year. Although imported seeds yield slightly more, our heirloom seeds have continuity. Every year, I collect the crop, extract and dry the seeds. I grow my own seedlings. This option is not available with Israeli seeds. In most villages in Sivas, imported seeds are used. They are planted one year and then a lot of money is spent the next year. We did not plant with high expectations. Only those who love farming can do it.”