Lean Philosophy in Agricultural Production: A Literature Review on Türkiye

Year 2026, Volume: 32 Issue: 1, 30 - 41, 20.01.2026

Selçuk Özcan , Zeynep Kulaksız

https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1651035

Abstract

This study is a review article that addresses the potential of lean production philosophy to reduce waste and increase process efficiency in the manufacturing processes of agricultural products. Lean production is widely applied, especially in the manufacturing sector, as an approach that aims to eliminate waste, optimize processes, and increase value added processes. Techniques such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, and Kanban are among the basic tools of this philosophy and have produced important results such as reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction in businesses. The application of lean production techniques in agricultural production is a relatively new field of research. In this study, studies in the literature on lean production techniques used in the production process of agricultural products are focused, and the results are evaluated. As a result of the examinations, it has been seen that lean production techniques can be successfully applied in the production process of agricultural products and provide significant improvements in processes. However, it has been determined that the studies conducted on using these techniques in agricultural production are limited. There is a serious lack of research on this subject, especially in Türkiye. This situation has brought to the agenda the need to reveal the potential of lean production techniques in agricultural production and to raise awareness to eliminate the deficiency in this field. The study aims to contribute to the literature on increasing process efficiency in agricultural production, reducing waste, and spreading lean production practices in the agricultural sector. Considering Türkiye's agricultural potential, it is evaluated that sustainable development can be achieved in the sector using lean production techniques.

Keywords

Lean , Agriculture , Waste , Production

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