#Turkey #water conservation #XAG Drones #Gönen #Turkish Farmers

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Turkish Farmers and Their Journey with XAG Drones

Turkey faces a pressing water crisis, with approximately 186 of its 240 lakes disappearing over the last 60 years. This challenge has prompted innovative responses from local farmers, particularly in Gönen, known as the country's rice-producing hub. Families like the Gökmens and experienced farmer Hüseyin Armağan are now adopting XAG's agricultural drones to combat water scarcity and improve farming operations.

Traditionally, rice farming has been fraught with challenges. The unpredictability of weather meant farmers dealt with both droughts causing high irrigation costs and sudden rains that resulted in muddy fields, rendering them inaccessible for machinery. As Recep Gökmen described, "When the field is wet, tractors can’t access it until the ground dries," leading to delays of up to fifteen days. This time wasted often resulted in lost spraying opportunities, adversely affecting productivity.

Armağan, who oversees 110 hectares of rice paddies, further articulated the downfall of conventional farming techniques. Traditional methods often resulted in crop damage due to equipment overlaps during pesticide application, and the labor-intensive nature of farm work led to constant difficulties in securing skilled seasonal help. The agriculture sector in Turkey utilizes about 70% of the nation's water, compounded by the pressures of rising inputs and fluctuating market prices, making it increasingly difficult for smallholders to survive.

In response to these mounting pressures, the XAG P100 Pro emerged as a beacon of hope. This fully autonomous drone is capable of precise spraying, fertilizer spreading, and seeding—transforming the traditional farming landscape. With its foldable design, carrying capacity of 50 kilograms, and user-friendly smartphone control, the drone significantly enhances operational efficiency, allowing farmers to maintain sustainable practices.

The transition to drone technology marked a significant turning point for the Gökmens. Özgür, the younger generation, quickly adapted to the drone's technology, taking over the duties previously managed by his father, Recep. “I just set the parameters, and the drone manages the rest—no manual intervention necessary during the flight. It even lands back at the exact starting point,” Özgür shared, highlighting the reduction in labor-intensive work.

Armağan noted that tasks that formerly spanned days now only take a couple of hours, regardless of the terrain's difficulty. “If it rains, we could lose access to our fields for over a week. Now, the drone can apply treatments just one or two days after rain, optimizing our time and resources.”

The immediate resource-saving benefits have been noteworthy. Previously, conventional spraying methods would consume up to 40 liters of water per decare. In contrast, the XAG drone cuts this down to a mere 1 to 5 liters. Additionally, pesticide usage has seen a reduction of around 50%, decreasing from as high as 100 grams per decare to between 40 to 60 grams while maintaining—if not enhancing—crop protection and output.

The evolving labor landscape also reflects these advancements, with families now able to run their operations with only one or two skilled operators rather than a multitude of laborers. “With just two people, we manage everything now,” noted Özgür, pointing to how these technological advancements have reshaped roles on the family farm without the traditional physical strain and urgency.

The health benefits are equally substantial. Chemical exposure has plummeted now that farmers no longer have to breathe in harmful fumes or navigate muddy fields. Together, these changes foster healthier crops with minimized risks of trampling or damage. "You just notice less waste and less overall damage,” Armağan added, emphasizing the drones' consistent and uniform coverage.

For rural communities such as Gönen, these advancements promote an improved quality of life and renewed hope for the next generation. Young individuals are less inclined to abandon farm work for urban employment as advancements in agricultural technology offer both profitability and sustainability. Armağan estimates that his yields have increased by approximately 10%—a critical boost when managing extensive farmland.

Both families regard their decision to integrate XAG drones as pivotal. With the equipment's durability, ease of repairs, and localized support, farmers can concentrate more on their yield than maintaining outdated machinery. “In terms of labor, energy, and other resources, engaging in agriculture is undeniably advantageous,” Recep enthused. “With the drones, we have assurance in resource allocation—no excess, no shortage.”

As Turkey faces heightened climate, labor, and economic hurdles, the narratives of the Gökmens and Armağan demonstrate that intelligent investment can create a ripple effect within farming communities. Through intertwining technology with decades of agricultural wisdom, Turkish farmers are cultivating a future that cherishes every drop of water conserved, every grain harvested, and every hour of labor optimized.