Domestic Production, Global Power: Türkiye's Rise in Agricultural Mechanization

Türkiye's growth in the agricultural mechanization sector has made it a significant player in the global agricultural machinery industry. The foundations of Türkiye's agricultural machinery industry were laid with the production of the first agricultural tool, the plow, in Bursa in 1861, and the first tractor in Ankara in 1955. Today, the sector performs well in both domestic and international markets. Nearly all agricultural mechanization equipment in Türkiye is locally produced, with only highly specialized equipment, such as smart farming technologies, being imported. However, there are significant opportunities for the development of domestic production in these areas.

Türkiye’s success in agricultural machinery exports is evident from the numbers. In 2001, exports were only $56 million, but by 2022, they had surpassed $1.5 billion. During this period, Türkiye rose from 31st to 17th place in global export rankings, increasing its share in global agricultural machinery exports from 0.3% to 1.6%. Türkiye has also achieved a significant breakthrough in tractor exports, rising from $30-40 million in the early 2000s to over $1 billion today. This success is driven by Türkiye’s strategic geographic location and strong industrial infrastructure, providing an advantage in export markets.

Türkiye's strength in the agricultural machinery sector is not limited to exports. The domestic market also holds significant growth potential. Each year, 17 out of every 100 agricultural enterprises invest in tractors or equipment, and 10% invest in irrigation systems. These figures double for large-scale enterprises and are even higher for industrial crop farming. While most firms in the agricultural machinery sector are small to medium-sized, the industry continuously attracts new entrepreneurs and increases its production capacity. As of 2021, the sector employed 26,194 people, with this number growing annually.

Türkiye's strategic location offers significant advantages for accessing both European and Middle Eastern markets. Among European Union countries, Türkiye ranks fourth in agricultural machinery production after Germany, France, and Italy. This strong position, combined with Türkiye’s proximity to global markets, competitive pricing, and increasing technological investments, positions the country as an indispensable player in the agricultural machinery sector. These positive developments demonstrate that Turkey has the potential to produce higher-tech products and further increase its global market share in agricultural machinery.

In conclusion, Türkiye’s growth in agricultural mechanization is supported by domestic production and export strength. Investment in technology and research and development ensures Türkiye's position as a strong player in both its domestic market and the international agricultural machinery market. With its strategic geographic location, expanding industrial infrastructure, and production capacity that meets global standards, Türkiye is achieving sustainable success in agricultural mechanization.

References:
• TARMAKBİR, "Agricultural Machinery Exports"