Socio-economic analysis of forage crops production in Zara district of Sivas province

Disruptions in agricultural production occur due to irrigation problems caused by global climate changes. The increasing need for quality roughage in parallel with population growth also closely affects animal production. Based on these problems, this study investigated the demographic structure of forage crop producers, problems encountered in production, disruptions, and the adequacy of state support for forage crops in the Zara district of Sivas province.A total of 60 producers were interviewed in the Zara district of Sivas province, and survey forms were filled out. The survey data covers the 2022 production season. According to the survey results, the average age of producers is 53.5 years. Among the producers, 3.3% are illiterate, 51.7% have completed primary school, 16.7% have completed middle school, 26.7% have completed high school, and 1.7% have a university degree. While 65% of the producers reside in villages, 28% live in the town center, 2% live in the city center, and 5% live in metropolitan areas. The average years of farming experience is 26.5 years, and the average years of experience in forage crop production is 14 years. Among the producers engaged in forage crop production, 87% are also involved in livestock farming, while the remaining 13% are not engaged in livestock farming. When looking at the problems encountered by producers in forage crop production, the most significant issue is irrigation problems, accounting for 30%, followed by high production costs at 18.3%, insufficient subsidy amounts at 13.3%, labor shortage at 10%, yield losses due to spring frosts at 3.3%, insufficient financing and low market prices at 3.3%, and limited opportunities for mechanized farming at 1.7%. Regarding the utilization of forage crop subsidies provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it is observed that 93.3% of the producers benefit from the subsidies, while 6.7% do not. Among the producers benefiting from the subsidies, 51.8% are satisfied, while 48.2% are not satisfied. Considering the regional conditions, it is recommended to develop an agriculture policy that promotes production, protects and supports producers