Our institute operates as a major regional research hub with a total land area of 7,660 decares (766 hectares). This vast infrastructure allows for diverse agricultural research across the transitional zone of Türkiye.
• Experimental Diversity: The institute manages extensive plots dedicated to both irrigated and rainfed (dryland) conditions, providing a robust environment for studying climate-stress tolerance and resource efficiency.
• Crop Portfolio: Strategic focus on cool-season cereals (Wheat, Barley, Triticale), legumes (Chickpeas, Lentils), and specialty/medicinal crops (Saffron, Opium poppy, Black cumin).
• Access & Management: Access to specific experimental plots for collaborative research is subject to institutional capacity, ongoing work plans, and administrative agreement, ensuring a highly managed and scientifically sound environment for large-scale field trials.
Analytical Capabilities & Collaborative Lab Network:
The Quality and Nutritional Technology Laboratory specializes in the advanced characterization of primary agricultural products. We bridge the gap between field performance and nutritional quality. Additionally, complementary analyses of soil and water parameters can be coordinated through our separate Soil and Water Laboratory upon request.
• Nutritional & Health-Related Analysis: * Vitamins & Organic Acids: Determination of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Butyric Acid (marker for gut health and fermentation).
o Health Markers: Glycemic Index (GI) determination, starch digestibility, and total Antioxidant Capacity.
o Fiber & Bioavailability: Quantitative ADF and NDF values and in-vitro digestibility simulations for primary raw materials.
• Advanced Rheology & Cereal Technology: * Quality Screening: Comprehensive evaluation using Farinograph, Alveograph, and GlutoPeak (rapid gluten quality assessment for genotype selection).
o Physicochemical tests: SKCS (Grain Hardness), SDS/Zeleny sedimentation, and Vitreousness.
• HPLC & Metabolite Profiling: * Protein Quality: Full Amino Acid profiling to assess the impact of production methods on protein composition.
o Targeted Bioactives: Profiling of Thymoquinone (Black cumin), alkaloids (poppy), bioactives (saffron), anthocyanins (carrots), and bitterness compounds (lettuce).
• Spectroscopic & Enzyme Research: * Stability Assessment: Detailed phenolic composition and real-time monitoring of Enzyme Degradation Reactions to assess raw material stability post-harvest.
o Lipid Stability: Assessment of Peroxide Value and Free Fatty Acidity to determine oxidation status and storage potential.
o Legumes: Standardized cooking tests for texture and water absorption evaluation.
We seek to participate as a technical partner. We provide high-precision analytical data and specialized field-trial management for projects focused on nutritional enhancement, climate-resilient primary production, and sustainable agricultural systems.

The Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute (TAGEM) is a public research institute operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye. The institute provides integrated field-to-laboratory research capacity, with a strong emphasis on analytical, technological, and evidence-based approaches in crop-based food systems.

The Quality and Nutritional Technology Laboratory, operating under the same institutional umbrella, focuses on food quality, nutritional characterization, and processing-related analyses. Analytical capabilities include HPLC-based profiling, cereal and dough quality parameters, protein and grain quality assessments, digestibility-related indicators, antioxidant capacity, dietary fiber, and lipid stability analyses, supporting functionality and end-use evaluation of agricultural raw materials.

Complementary biotechnology and molecular support is provided through the Biotechnology Laboratory, including genetic characterization (DNA isolation, molecular marker applications, marker-assisted selection) and plant tissue culture techniques, supporting breeding efficiency and food safety–related research.

Resource management and environmental analyses are supported by the Soil, Water, and Plant Analysis Laboratory and the Soil and Water Resources Department, enabling integrated monitoring of soil health, irrigation water quality, and plant nutrient status. Expertise in precision agriculture, hydrology, and GIS-based mapping contributes to climate-resilient and resource-efficient research.

The institute hosts specialized departments covering cool-season cereals, food legumes, oilseed crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, and forage and pasture crops. Through these departments, nearly 150 registered agricultural varieties have been developed and released for national use. In addition to varietal development, institutional activities include crop management practices, pest and disease control, adaptation studies, and staged seed multiplication systems.

Large-scale experimental capacity and breeding activities are supported by access to up to 7,660 decares (766 hectares) of experimental land under rainfed and irrigated conditions, implemented in line with institutional capacity and approved work plans. The institute also operates a broiler breeder development unit at the Hamidiye campus, contributing to national poultry breeding and structured genetic improvement programmes.