As TÜBİTAK UZAY, we participated in the 2nd Phase Promotion Ceremony of the GAP Precision Agriculture Project, which was implemented to disseminate precision agriculture technologies and support sustainable agricultural practices. The event, held on November 22, 2024, at the GAP Agricultural Research Institute, was attended by Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology, and İbrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized that the GAP region is an important center for Türkiye's food supply security, thanks to its fertile soils. He further stated that investments in the region have gained significant momentum over the last 22 years.
“The Power of Technology Accompanies the Sound of Nature”
In his speech, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that a rich dataset for agriculture was created using satellite images and hyperspectral camera data obtained during the first phase of the GAP Precision Agriculture Project. Minister Kacır shared the following details about the domestic and national software GAP Sensitive - Smart Agriculture Application:
“In light of the data we obtained, we launched our domestic and national software GAP Sensitive, which will bring together the sweat of our farmers' brow with the power of technology, speak the language of the soil, and unravel the secret of its fertility. We completed the innovative interface integrated into the e-Government platform, which will facilitate the implementation of precision agriculture in the field, and made it available to our producers as of the end of August. Now, our farmers have the opportunity to determine the correct harvest date and the amount of fertilizer they need to use through this software without requiring any additional equipment in the field. Our farmers will no longer rely solely on the voice of nature but will also benefit from the opportunities offered by technology.
We have also initiated work to create a decision-support mechanism for our farmers by monitoring approximately 200,000 decares of land with satellite images. Furthermore, through the GAP Precision Agriculture Project Fusion Center, we are training consultants who will guide our farmers in using technology more effectively in agricultural production. We will continue to resolutely implement all projects and programs that enhance the fertility of our region and transform these precious, ancient lands into the production center of the future.”
Plaque Presented to TÜBİTAK UZAY
At the event, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı presented a plaque to Remote Sensing Group Leader Dr. Kaan Kalkan on behalf of TÜBİTAK UZAY in recognition of its contributions to the GAP Precision Agriculture Project.
Türkiye's First National Precision Agriculture Application
As TÜBİTAK UZAY, we have successfully completed the design and algorithm development for GAP Sensitive - Smart Agriculture Application, Türkiye's first national precision agriculture application within the scope of the GAP Precision Agriculture Project. This innovative application aims to increase productivity and reduce costs by ensuring more efficient use of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, water, and pesticides.
Sustainable Agriculture with Space Technologies
At our booth at the ceremony, we showcased our earth observation satellites, expertise in precision agriculture technologies, and capabilities in remote sensing and image processing. As TÜBİTAK UZAY, we aim to contribute to a sustainable future by effectively leveraging our space technologies in agricultural fields. We are proud to support Türkiye's progress in agriculture and technology by continuing to develop innovative solutions, as exemplified in the GAP Precision Agriculture Project.
