An interagency seminar on the implementation of remote sensing technologies in agriculture was held in Ashgabat. The Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the event, as reported by the country’s International Information Center.
Scientists and specialists from Ashgabat and Arkadag participated in the seminar, and experts gave lectures from Hungary and Russia. The main topic was the development of a national electronic monitoring model that will enable real-time monitoring of winter wheat and cotton crops.
The new system uses multispectral satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles. It automatically classifies crops and analyzes chlorophyll levels, providing an accurate picture of vegetation. The results of test trials conducted in the Mary welayat in 2024–2025 were presented at the seminar. The system tracks crop growth and identifies problem areas, including disease outbreaks, soil salinity, land degradation, and moisture shortages.
Experts noted that the data “matrix” eliminates human error and improves the accuracy of yield forecasts. The product will be a secure digital resource localized within the country, with each region receiving its own access keys for agricultural land management. Plans include combining national land cadaster data with meteorological information and soil analysis, creating a comprehensive database for management decisions.
Particular attention was paid to the use of unmanned aerial systems with thermal imagers and scanners for precision fertilizer application and pest control. Ministry representatives emphasized that the project not only digitalizes the industry but also facilitates the training of specialists in programming and cybersecurity. The implementation of the project roadmap will be an important stage in the implementation of the state program for socioeconomic development and strengthening food security.
