Farmers' Internet Usage Hits Record High at 86%
· AA Tarım & Ekonomi
According to TurkStat data, the internet usage rate in the agricultural sector reached 86% in 2026, driven by the widespread adoption of smart farming and automation technologies.
Internet Usage in Agriculture Reaches Peak
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the internet usage rate among individuals aged 16-74 across Turkey was determined to be 92.3% as of 2026. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, smart irrigation, and automation systems in fields, which support increases in yield and quality in agricultural production, has accelerated farmers' digital adaptation. The internet usage rate among skilled agriculture, forestry, and fishery workers reached 86% this year, marking a historic record. The integration of producers with digital technologies is among the most important factors directly affecting agricultural productivity.
Ten-Year Digital Transformation Data
Data shared by TurkStat reveals that internet access for agricultural workers has more than doubled in the last 10 years. While the internet usage rate for sector employees was 38.6% in 2017, it rose to 47.9% in 2018 and 53.1% in 2019. The increase continued without slowing down, recorded as 58.2% in 2020, 62% in 2021, and 71% in 2022. Maintaining its momentum in subsequent years, the rate was determined as 76.1% in 2023, 79.1% in 2024, 85.3% in 2025, and 86% in 2026.
Internet Usage Rates Across Sectors
When examining digitalization rates by occupational groups, the highest internet usage was observed in the category of administrative and secretarial staff. According to TurkStat data, internet usage for office workers, which was 99.7% in 2022, reached a full 100% in 2026. Similarly, the internet usage rate for professionals was recorded at 99.9%, and for craft and related trades workers at 99%. In the service and sales workers occupational group, this rate was determined to be 98%.