Turkey's Farmers Turn to Agricultural Drones to Mitigate Water Scarcity and Boost Productivity

Strategic Insights -

Turkish farmers, particularly in Gönen, the nation's rice basket, are adopting agricultural drones to address water scarcity, operational inefficiency, and the challenges of drought. The introduction of autonomous drones has transformed daily life in the fields, enabling farmers to manage planting and fieldwork with precision, reducing water consumption, and increasing crop yields. The XAG P100 Pro drone has become an essential tool for small and medium-sized farmers, offering improved efficiency, reduced labor demands, and enhanced profitability.

Key Takeaways:

  • 186 of Turkey's 240 lakes have vanished in 60 years, exacerbating water scarcity and drought.
  • Rice farming in Gönen is particularly vulnerable to water shortages and fluctuations in weather, leading to costly irrigation and losses in productivity.
  • The XAG P100 Pro drone is a fully autonomous agricultural drone capable of precise spraying, fertilizer spreading, and seeding, with a foldable design, 50-kilogram payload, and simple smartphone controls.
  • The drone has significantly reduced water consumption, pesticide use, and labor demands, while improving crop yields and overall efficiency.
  • The transition to drones has ended exhausting late nights and the scramble for seasonal labor during peak periods.
  • Resource savings have been immediate and significant, with the drone requiring just 1-5 liters of water per decare, compared to up to 40 liters with conventional tractor sprayers.
  • Older and younger members of family farms are now collaborating with far less physical strain and clock pressure, thanks to the reduced labor demands.
  • Exposure to chemicals has decreased significantly, and crops are healthier, with no more trampling, missed patches, or burnt seedlings.

Statistics:

  • 70% of Turkey's water is consumed by its agriculture sector.
  • The XAG P100 Pro drone can safely fly under power lines and over uneven ground, reducing the risk of crop damage and improving efficiency.
  • 10 percent increase in yields for Armaýan's fields since switching to XAG drones.
  • Water consumption reduced by 75-90% compared to traditional methods.
  • Pesticide use reduced by 45-50% while maintaining or improving crop protection and yield.
  • Fertilizer and seed spread with precision, reducing waste and loss by up to 90%.

Sources:

  • Gökmen, Recep. Interviewed by source authors, Gönen, Turkey, date of interview not specified.
  • Armaýan, Hüseyin. Interviewed by source authors, Gönen, Turkey, date of interview not specified.
  • Press Release: PRNewswire, GÖNEN, Turkey, June 27, 2025.