Sources of information used by cotton producers in the agricultural activity process in Şanlıurfa province and measuring producers' willingness to pay for information sources

It is known that the agricultural sector is of great importance for the development of society and the country. Many strategic agricultural products are grown in Türkiye; one of them is cotton, which is described as "white gold". Cotton producers provide raw materials to the Turkish textile industry and contribute to Türkiye having an important place in the world textile industry. On the other hand, cottonseed meal is used as forage in the livestock sector. In addition, intensive employment is created both in the production and processing of cotton. In conclusion, cotton production is an economically important and income generating agricultural activity for Turkey. According to TURKSTAT data, a total of 2.2 million tons of cotton is produced in 24 provinces in Turkey. Şanlıurfa ranks first in the list of 24 provinces producing cotton in Türkiye with 813 258 tons of cotton production. Cotton producers in Şanlıurfa province need many sources of information during their production activities. In this study, first of all, the information sources and consultancy services used by cotton farmers in Şanlıurfa province during production and post-production stages were investigated. The level of satisfaction of farmers with the agricultural extension and consultancy services they have applied was determined. In addition, the type of agricultural extension and consultancy service desired by the farmers and the willingness of the farmers to pay for this consultancy service if the desired service is provided were measured. According to the FRS (National Farmer Registration System) data, there are approximately 20 thousand cotton producers in the research area. According to the proportional sampling method; 10% margin of error, 99% confidence interval, the number of cotton producers to be interviewed was calculated as approximately 168. In the interviews with cotton producers, a ready-made questionnaire form was used. Almost all of the cotton producers in the research area stated that they met their agricultural extension and consultancy service needs through seed, medicine and fertilizer dealers. However, their level of satisfaction with this service is average. Among the trainings provided by different institutions and individuals, cotton producers were most satisfied with the trainings provided by universities. Cotton producers stated that they are in serious need of agricultural extension and consultancy services, especially in the fight against diseases and pests, pesticide use and fertilization. They wanted universities, farmer leaders and private consultants to provide these services in coordination. According to cotton producers, the most effective agricultural extension and advisory service is face-to-face training in the field. 80.3% of cotton producers (135 people) stated that they would pay 199.33 TL per decare per year for agricultural extension and consultancy services to be provided in the manner they want and by the persons or institutions they want. For this reason, it is necessary to establish an "Agricultural Extension and Consultancy Office" in the region under the leadership of the university, where all stakeholders assume responsibility. This office will be responsible for establishing the link between farmers in need of agricultural extension and consultancy services and experts. Cotton producers have the potential to pay a total of approximately 388.11 million TL/year for agricultural extension and consultancy services. This figure would provide a budget that would be sufficient for the above-mentioned agricultural extension and consultancy services that could be put into practice.