First AI-powered farm to be formed at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
Türkiye to launch an artificial intelligence-supported farming initiative aimed at drawing tens of thousands of young people into agriculture, according to a report by daily Milliyet.
The program, developed in cooperation between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Agricultural Technologies Clustering Foundation (TÜME), seeks to involve around 40,000 young participants through the establishment of modern, technology-driven farms.
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Rector Hüseyin Dalgar warned that the industry faces an aging workforce, noting the average age of farmers in Türkiye has reached 59, while only about 5% are between 18 and 32.
Official data show that although roughly 5 million people work in agriculture, more than 2.3 million are registered in the Farmer Registration System. Among crop producers, 14% are classified as young, 59% as middle-aged and 27% as over 65. In livestock farming, young producers account for 23%, with 61% middle-aged and 16% over 65, according to the story. (By the way I have a story here about Turkcell and its the use of AI tools for employees)
A range of factors has discouraged younger generations from entering agriculture, including perceptions that farming is not a viable profession, a preference for jobs with social security benefits, limited rural infrastructure, as well as climate change, water shortages and rising costs.
Officials expect 40 farms to be operational by September
Under the project, 40,000 technologically advanced farms, each with a capacity of 100 cattle, are planned across all 81 provinces.
Dalgar noted the first farm will be established at his university, followed by additional AI-powered, autonomous farms nationwide. Initial implementation will begin at 10 universities.
Participants with rural ties and inherited land will undergo training programs lasting three to six months. After certification, they will be required to designate several acres of land in their villages where their farms will be set up, per the story.
The farms will be equipped with advanced robotic systems, aiming to improve efficiency and productivity. Dalgar announced the initiative could reduce calf mortality and increase average milk yields from 25 liters to 45 liters.
TÜME will lead the establishment of technology-based farms at universities, with plans to expand beyond the initial institutions.
By late September, coinciding with Teknofest in Şanlıurfa, officials expect 40 farms to be operational.
Participants will receive monthly payments equivalent to two minimum wages if single and three if married. Depending on performance, full ownership of the farms is expected to be transferred to participants within five to 10 years. Agricultural technology firms will also take part in the project as stakeholders within the foundation’s ecosystem, the story underlined.
