Autonomous Tractors Revolutionizing Turkish Farming with XAG APC2 Console

As Turkey navigates through persistent labor shortages and escalating agricultural costs, innovation in farming practices is becoming essential. The emergence of autonomous tractors is transforming the landscape of small and medium-sized family farms throughout the country. Leading this technological shift is the XAG APC2 AutoPilot Console, designed to upgrade even the oldest tractors into efficient and reliable partners in the field.

With over 1.5 million tractors, Turkey boasts the largest tractor fleet in Europe, primarily owned by family farms that form the backbone of the nation’s food production. However, economic pressures demand that these farming operations evolve. Many farmers are realizing the importance of enhancing productivity through automation, as young individuals enter the agricultural sector with a fresh perspective and the drive to modernize existing equipment.

Take, for instance, Numan Korkmaz, a young farmer from Gönen, an area known for its lush rice paddies. At just 24, he oversees 140 hectares of rice cultivation alongside his family. Speaking confidently about modern agricultural technology, he emphasizes the need for the farming industry to adapt to technological advancements. His decision to invest in the XAG APC2 AutoPilot Console stemmed from a desire to implement precision farming techniques, introduce centimeter-level accuracy, and ensure both safety and efficiency for future operations on the family farm.

Before the installation of the APC2, Numan's daily tasks were labor-intensive and required unwavering attention to keep the tractor aligned. Long hours often resulted in errors such as overlapping rows, wasted resources, and the looming stress of potential mistakes jeopardizing the season’s yield. He explains, “Our work was completely manual,” illustrating the old methods that relied heavily on human oversight.

The introduction of the APC2 has completely overhauled this routine. By providing hands-free steering capabilities and precision accuracy, the console elevates the farming experience. Rather than fixing minor errors on the go, Numan can now allow the tractor to navigate autonomously, whether it's day or night and regardless of terrain difficulties. This efficiency extends to various tasks, including sowing, spreading fertilizer, and tilling.

“The accuracy provided by the APC2 is crucial for us,” he notes. “I appreciate the AB straight line function; it significantly increases speed and practicality.” The APC2 is equipped with RTK-based positioning supported by Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors that adjust based on ground slope, maintaining course even in challenging conditions. This technology effectively minimizes overlaps, ensuring that every segment of land is utilized resourcefully.

Research from Turkish academic institutions indicates that GNSS-based guidance can reduce field overlaps and input usage by 6–10%. Such advancements allow farmers like Numan to attain considerable savings on fuel and materials, thus enhancing productivity while curbing resource expenditure. In the face of Turkey's inflation rate soaring to 37.86% in early 2025, the pursuit of efficiency has escalated from merely advantageous to absolutely imperative for sustaining farm operations.

Previously, smallholder farms remained on the sidelines of such technological revolutions due to prohibitive costs and complexities. However, XAG's APC2 has democratized access to advanced agricultural technology. Its waterproof design encompasses both navigation and control in one streamlined unit, which can be operated from a smartphone app, making it user-friendly even for those less adept with technology. As Numan states, “If you can use an Android phone, you can operate this system.” This accessibility plays a vital role in engaging a younger generation in agriculture.

On a typical morning, Numan begins his workday around 7:30 AM, managing to cover nearly 9 hectares with just 30 liters of diesel. This reflects clearly not only the operational savings but also the peace of mind that automation contributes. He candidly expresses, “On the contrary, it is actually costlier not to invest in this technology.”

As policymakers advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, the transformation in Turkey’s farming sector is ushered in by innovators like Numan. For him and fellow smallholders, the adoption of such technologies signifies more than just keeping pace with advancements; it is a crucial step towards ensuring the viability of their lands for future generations. As younger farmers step forward, Turkish agriculture stands poised to become more resilient, productive, and equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead.