Harvesting Progress: How Technology is Reviving Farming in Turkey
Agriculture is deeply rooted in Turkey’s culture and economy. From fertile plains that yield grains like wheat and barley, to diverse regions that cultivate cotton, sugar beet, sunflower, and a rich variety of fruit such as apples, cherries, and citrus, Turkey's landscape is as varied as the crops it produces. Yet, this rich agricultural tradition faces a pressing challenge. Over the past 18 years, while the country’s population has grown by 23%, the number of farmers has sharply declined by 21%. Of the 2.17 million existing farmers, only 289,000 are women and the average farmer age is 58.1 years. This demographic shift poses a potential threat to the continuity and innovation in farming practices crucial for the sector’s vitality and sustainability.