Turkish Farmers Turn to XAG Drones to Tackle Drought and Boost Rice Yields

Turkish rice farmers in Gönen are turning to XAG drones to combat drought, reduce labor, and improve yields—ushering in a new era of water-smart, tech-driven agriculture.

XAG drones revolutionize rice farming in Gönen, Turkey
Gönen’s farmers embrace agricultural drones amid climate stress, dramatically reducing water use and labor while increasing yields and profitability. Image: XAG


Gönen, Turkey — June 27, 2025:

As Turkey grapples with shrinking water resources—186 of its 240 lakes have vanished in just 60 years—farmers in the agricultural hub of Gönen are responding with innovation. By deploying cutting-edge XAG agricultural drones, local rice producers are transforming traditional practices into smart, sustainable operations.

In a region where rice farming has long suffered from erratic weather, muddy fields, and costly irrigation cycles, the Gökmen family and rice veteran Hüseyin Armağan have emerged as early adopters of the XAG P100 Pro drone. Fully autonomous and controlled by smartphone, the drone executes precise spraying, seeding, and fertilization—regardless of field slope or soil condition.

"Tractors couldn’t enter the fields after rainfall. We often waited up to 15 days, missing key spraying windows," says Recep Gökmen. "Now the drone does the work in a fraction of the time—with no damage to crops and no need for extra labor."

For Armağan, managing 110 hectares of paddies, the drone has turned frustration into efficiency. “We used to waste water and pesticides. Now, water use per decare has dropped from 40 liters to as little as 1 liter. Pesticide use is nearly halved. Crop health and yields have improved."

The gains are economic, environmental, and generational. Labor needs have sharply declined—from entire teams to just two trained operators. Younger family members, like Recep’s son Özgür, now lead operations with ease and confidence. “I input the flight plan on my phone, and the drone handles everything. No more all-nighters or seasonal labor rush.”

The shift also improves worker safety and field conditions. Uniform application reduces crop damage and prevents chemical exposure. Farmers report fewer burnt seedlings, cleaner fields, and a more predictable harvest.

With agriculture accounting for about 70% of Turkey’s total water usage, Gönen’s embrace of drone technology signals a crucial pivot toward conservation and resilience. The drones’ precision and reliability—combined with strong local technical support—have made adoption a success story.

“In terms of labor, fuel, time, and output, the benefits are undeniable,” says Armağan. “It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made.”

As drought, rising costs, and climate stress challenge farmers across the globe, Gönen offers a powerful example of how technology and tradition can work hand-in-hand to ensure a thriving future—where every drop of water and every grain of rice counts.

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