During the intensive three-day program, agriculture engineering and agricultural technician students interested in the field came together with expert academics to discuss the impact of digital transformation on sustainable agriculture. Covering the integration of digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and autonomous systems into agriculture in detail, the training featured comprehensive academic sessions running from early morning until evening. In addition to theoretical instruction, students also gained practical experience through field applications such as drone demonstrations. The event once again demonstrated the strong contribution of Çal VS to the digital transformation of agriculture in the region.

Science, Culture, Nature, and Art Came Together in Çal

The training program was not limited to academic knowledge but also offered students the opportunity to explore the rich culture, nature, and history of Çal. On the first day of the event, students attended the Çal stage of the 20th International Folk Dance Festival organized by Denizli Metropolitan Municipality. Watching performances by groups from different countries, the students experienced an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

On the second day of the excursion program, the students first visited the natural wonder of Çal Kısık Canyon and enjoyed the unique beauty of the canyon. Following this enjoyable experience in nature, the route continued to the Temple of Apollo Lairbenos. Surrounded by the fascinating historical atmosphere of the site, the participants watched the sunset while enjoying their evening meal packs and admired the region’s unique landscape.

Real-Life Lessons from the Field and the Value-Added Transformation of Çalkarası

Following the closing panel held on the final day of the training, participants moved on to technical field visits to observe the theoretical knowledge in practice. The students visited the Kabalar Agricultural Development Cooperative, where they were welcomed by Cooperative President Özkan Tatar.

Guiding the students through the vineyards and providing detailed information about production processes, Tatar explained how they process the region’s indigenous grape varieties, especially Çalkarası, the pride of the region, and transform these valuable products into value-added goods. On the return journey, during a friendly break at the village coffeehouse, President Tatar presented the students with local products produced by the cooperative.

During their remaining free time, the students spent time in Hançalar, organized various activities among themselves, and enjoyed the program together, forming strong bonds throughout the event. Bringing together students from faculties of agriculture and vocational schools from different universities, the program concluded with emotional farewells and tears as participants departed. This special training became both an academic and visionary milestone for the future leaders of digital agriculture.

The Çal VS Administration expressed its gratitude to TÜBİTAK (2237-A Scientific Training Activities Support) for making the scientific and academic component of the training project possible; to Çal Mayor Ahmet Hakan for the support provided throughout the event, including the allocation of vehicles for field visits; and to Kabalar Agricultural Development Cooperative President Özkan Tatar for his hospitality and valuable knowledge sharing. The administration also thanked Project Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Çiğdem Elgin Karabacak and the entire organizing committee for their dedicated work from the beginning to the end of the project; the academics and institutional representative trainers who enriched the training by sharing their extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience over the three days while broadening the students’ perspectives; and all participants who traveled from across the country and gave meaning to the program with their enthusiasm, curiosity, and active participation.