ANALYSIS OF WALNUT PRODUCING FARMS IN KAHRAMANMARAS PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the structural characteristics, production and marketing structure of walnut producing farms in Kahramanmaras province, Turkey. For this purpose, a face to face survey was conducted with 90 producers producing walnuts in Caglayancerit district of Kahramanmaras province in February 2019. To analyze the obtained data, frequency tables and descriptive statistics were used. As a result of the research, all of the producers stated that walnut production has increased in their region in recent years. Approximately 53.33% of farmers stated that they were a member of a producer organization, 54.44% benefited from agricultural support, 95.56% did not have agricultural insurance, and 88.90% of the producers did not receive any training on walnut cultivation. Almost all of the producers (95.56%) benefited from foreign labor in walnut production and they were satisfied with walnut prices (98.9%). Results also indicated that the most important reason for the producers to produce walnuts is the price and market advantages (77.78%). Moreover, 44.44% of the producers sell their walnuts in the street market, and 35.56% sell through merchants. The results of this study will guide the decision makers in following the appropriate policies in terms of making improvements in walnut production.