Development of black cumin seed production, problems and solution suggestions: The example of bucak district of Burdur province

In this study, it was aimed to develop black cumin production in Bucak district of Burdur province and to determine the problems and solution suggestions. The main material of the research consisted of primary data obtained by survey method from 124 black cumin producers operating in Bucak district of Burdur province. According to the research findings, it was determined that the average age of the producers in the examined farms was 58.42 years, the average education level was 7.73 years and the average black cumin cultivation experience was 5.02 years. It was determined that 69.35% of the producers had other jobs besides farming. The average farm land size in the examined farms was calculated as 128.97 decares, and the average black cumin cropping area was calculated as 44.64 decares. It was calculated that 34.61% of the average farm land in the examined farms was allocated to black cumin production. It was determined that the average black cumin yield was 69.94 kg/decare, and the average black cumin sales price was 20.08 TL/kg. It was determined that 66.94% of the producers had problems in storage and marketing, 87.90% in harvesting, 99.19% in weed control, and 50.81% in supplying tools and machinery. The rate 100% of producers the stated that they preferred black cumin production because the climatic conditions are suitable, 97.58% because it is easy to harvest, and 91.93% because it is easy to work. The rate 66.13% of producers want black cumin production to be included within the scope of deficiency payment (premium) support. The socioeconomic and ecological conditions of the research region have a significant potential for the development of black cumin production. It is important to provide the necessary government support and guidance to increase the production of black cumin, whose consumer demand is increasing, and to produce value-added products. If these developments can be achieved, it can be said that black cumin production will make significant contributions to the rural economy in the research region.