Agricultural technologies and smart farming in Türkiye
Agricultural Technologies and Smart Farming in Türkiye: 2025 Overview and Business Opportunities
In 2025, Türkiye's agricultural sector entered a dynamic phase of digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), smart sensors, drones and sustainable production methods are reshaping the sector. This evolution has not only increased local productivity but has also strengthened Türkiye's competitiveness in international markets. The synergy between public incentives and private sector investment has positioned the country as a regional leader in agricultural technology.
Smart Farming Technologies and Their Uptake
Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems and sensor technologies have been rapidly integrated into Türkiye's farmland. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, soil and moisture monitoring systems are used on approximately 18% of agricultural land. Smart irrigation technologies have increased water efficiency by around 35%, marking a significant environmental and economic achievement.
More than 40 domestic start-ups in Türkiye offer mobile applications that provide farmers with real-time data and alerts. The government aims to roll out these technologies to all strategic agricultural regions by 2030. For international investors, Türkiye offers business potential in data analytics software, sensor network management and farmer-focused mobile application development.
Drone and Satellite Technologies in Agricultural Management
Drones have become a central element of production management, particularly in the Konya Plain, Çukurova and Thrace regions. The number of registered agricultural drones across Türkiye has exceeded 12,000.
AI-supported satellite imaging enables the early detection of plant diseases, reducing losses by approximately 20%.
Integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is improving crop rotation and farm planning.
Turkish agri-tech start-ups are becoming increasingly active in drone manufacturing and data analytics for global markets.
These developments create strong potential for cooperation with international companies specialising in satellite data processing, plant disease detection algorithms and agricultural drone software.
Adapting to Climate Change through Technology
Drought and irregular rainfall remain the main challenges for farmers in Türkiye. Technology plays a critical role in addressing these problems. Climate-sensitive irrigation systems have significantly reduced groundwater use. AI-supported forecasting models analyse meteorological data to optimise irrigation schedules and harvest times. In the south-eastern and central regions, public grants have supported the adoption of such systems.
Areas such as climate modelling, water management software and adaptive irrigation technologies offer new cooperation and investment opportunities for international entrepreneurs.
Türkiye's Agri-Tech Start-up Ecosystem
As of 2025, approximately 180 start-ups are actively operating in Türkiye's agricultural technology sector. Focus areas include smart farming software, greenhouse automation, blockchain-based product traceability and robotic farming.
This ecosystem offers fertile ground for global entrepreneurs seeking partnerships, investment or market entry. Cooperation in software development, automation and data management stands out as a highly strategic approach.
Public Incentives and Investment Mechanisms
Under the TAR-TEK 2025 Programme, the government has allocated 5.2 billion TL to support the technological transformation of agriculture. This package provides:
R&D grants
Tax incentives
Regional investment subsidies
Digital agriculture investments grew by 32% in the first half of 2025, reflecting the sector's strong expansion. International investors can access these financial mechanisms and state-supported programmes when entering the Turkish market.
In crop management: AI contributes to higher yields while reducing environmental impact by assisting with precision irrigation, pesticide use, soil and plant analysis and weather forecasting. In post-harvest processes: AI systems sort, store and process products more efficiently, minimising losses and ensuring consistent quality.
In livestock production: AI monitors feeding habits, detects diseases early and improves overall farm productivity. Smart milking robots, feed mixers and behaviour monitoring platforms are becoming standard on modern farms.
The widespread use of these tools offers investment opportunities for companies developing machine learning platforms, image recognition solutions and predictive analytics systems.
