Hosted by the Pamukkale University Çal Vocational School Digital Agriculture Technologies Program, the TÜBİTAK 2237-A supported "Awareness Training on the Use of Digital Agricultural Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture" was successfully completed. During the intensive three-day program, curious agricultural engineering and agricultural technician students came together with expert academics in the field to discuss the effects of digital transformation on sustainable agriculture.
The training, which covered the integration of digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and autonomous systems into agriculture in detail, featured action-packed academic sessions lasting from early morning until evening. In addition to theoretical training, students also gained practical experience in the field, such as drone applications. The event once again demonstrated our Vocational School's strong contribution to the digital agriculture transformation in the region.
Science, Culture, Nature, and Art Met in Çal
The training program was not limited to academic knowledge; it also offered students the opportunity to discover the rich culture, nature, and history of Çal. On the first day of the event, the students attended the Çal leg of the 20th International Folk Dance Festival organized by the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality. Watching the performances of teams from different countries, the youth experienced an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
On the second day of the excursion route, the youth first visited the natural wonder Çal Kısık Canyon and enjoyed its unique beauty. After these pleasant moments intertwined with nature, the route was directed to the Temple of Apollo Lairbenos. Watching the sunset while eating their evening rations in the enchanting atmosphere of the historical texture, the participants were amazed by the unique scenery of the region.
Real-Life Lessons from the Field and the Transformation of Çalkarası into Added Value
Following the closing panel held on the last day of the training, technical inspections began to observe the theoretical knowledge in the field. Our students visited the Kabalar Agricultural Development Cooperative, where they were hosted by Cooperative President Özkan Tatar.
Tatar showed the students around the vineyards and provided detailed information about the production processes. He explained how they process the ancient grape varieties unique to the region—especially the region's crown jewel, "Çalkarası"—and how they transform these assets into value-added products. During a sincere break at the village coffeehouse on the return from the visit, President Tatar gifted the students with local products produced by the cooperative.
Spending their remaining time in Hançalar, the youth had a great time organizing various activities among themselves and formed strong bonds throughout the program. This special training—where students from the agricultural faculties and vocational schools of different universities mingled, and where emotional moments and tears prevailed upon departure—became both an academic and visionary turning point for the future leaders of digitalizing agriculture.
With Our Gratitude as the Management of Çal Vocational School;
We would like to thank TÜBİTAK (2237-A Scientific Educational Activities Support) for enabling us to realize the scientific and academic part of the educational project; Mayor of Çal, Mr. Ahmet HAKAN, who has always been by our side with his valuable support, including the allocation of vehicles for field trips throughout the event; and President of the Kabalar Agricultural Development Cooperative, Mr. Özkan TATAR, for his hospitality and valuable knowledge sharing.
Furthermore, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Project Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Çiğdem ELGİN KARABACAK and the entire organizing committee, who worked with great devotion from the beginning to the end of the project; to our highly esteemed academics and institution representative trainers, who added value to our training and broadened our students' horizons by sharing their vast knowledge, background, and experiences with us over the three days; and finally, to all our valuable participants who came from all over the country and made our program meaningful with their energy, curiosity, and active participation.
