Economic examination and the future of apricot production in Isparta

The aim of this study was to determine the problems related to production and marketing structure by examining the socio-economic structure, cost and profitability of the apricot growing enterprises and to develop suggestions for improving apricot production and profitability in Isparta province. In addition, it was aimed to predict the future of apricot farming in Isparta. The main material of the research obtained from apricot farms by the survey method in the Yalvaç and Senirkent districts' villages of Isparta. Neyman Method was used in the determination of the sample volume and was determined as 138 enterprises. The data obtained from the enterprises belong to the production season of 2021. According to the results obtained, the average number of apricot land parcels was calculated as 5.25 and the land width was 28.63 decares. Şekerpare, Roxsana, Aprikoz and Orange Ruby were the leading apricot varieties grown by enterprises. The enterprises used 1.97 hours of machine power, 27.57 hours of family labour and 27.00 hours of foreign labour per decare in apricot production. They applied 8.86 kg nitrogen, 12.92 kg phosphorus and 4.33 kg potassium as pure substance per decare. Apricot production costs per decare were calculated as 6 013.62 TRY, GPV was 25 090.66 TRY, gross profit 21 933.14 TRY, absolute profit 19 077.04 TRY, relative profit 4.17. The production cost of 1 kg of apricot was determined as 1.84 TRY. Since the profitability of apricot production is high, it was determined that the producers will continue production in the coming years.