Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, represents Near East University in the PURE-POTATO (Promoting Use of Renewable Eco-Friendly Herbicides in Potato Agriculture) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented under the eunite Programme by GIZ International Services, together with Producer  Salih Uluşan.
As one of the Operational Groups established within the eunite Programme across eight different value chains, the PURE-POTATO Project aims to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly weed management practices for potato production in the Morphou (Güzelyurt) region. The project seeks to reduce the reliance on conventional chemical herbicides and promote environmentally friendly alternatives in potato cultivation.
Within the scope of the project, field trials are being conducted to compare biological and chemical herbicide applications. The effectiveness of weed control is continuously monitored, while the economic feasibility of these practices is also being evaluated. One of the project’s most significant innovations is the first field application in Cyprus of Mustard Seed Meal (MSM) as a biological weed control method.
Mustard Seed Meal is considered an environmentally friendly alternative due to its natural biofumigation properties, which help suppress weeds while improving soil health. The project is expected to contribute to reducing the use of chemical herbicides, protecting soil quality, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The project brings together Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot potato growers, the Potato Growers Association, and academic institutions to develop scientific and sustainable solutions to local agricultural challenges through a collaborative approach. The Near East University Faculty of Agricultural Sciences actively contributes to the project through its scientific expertise and research infrastructure, supporting the development and dissemination of sustainable farming practices.
By encouraging environmentally friendly production techniques, protecting natural resources, and supporting sustainable agriculture, the PURE-POTATO Project is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of innovative practices for potato production and to strengthen sustainable agricultural policies in Northern Cyprus.

*This news is aligned with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2, SDG 12 , SDG 13 , SDG 15 , and SDG 17 .