Evaluation of open and closed irrigation systems in the Lower Seyhan plain by farmers

This study was carried out to determine; the current state of open canal and flume systems, the importance of water and irrigation, and the benefits of closed irrigation to the region in the Lower Seyhan Plain. In this context, data was collected through a face-to-face survey to with 75 producers in 35 villages of Karataş and Yüreğir districts. The average number of parcels of the producers is 2.52 and wheat, corn, cotton and soy are the most grown products. Producers have been engaged in agricultural activities for an average of 24.81 years; also 81.3% of them keep records in their enterprises.Major problem of the producers is to reach water whenever thet needed. In this study, 21,3% of producers are willing to pay twice more current price to reach water when they needed. Only 14.7 of the producers attended at least one training on irrigation and all found it useful. The average training period is 1.5 days. It was determined that there is a positive relationship between participation in irrigation education and their education level. It has been determined that the producers, who are generally university graduates, participate in such trainings more. 60.0% of the producers who are members of the Irrigation Union and participated in the study stated that irrigation water is sufficient and 85.3% of them use the open flume system for water supply. 72,1% of these producers want the change the irrigation system from open to closed. Also, they mentioned that they have a knowled about this system in middle level.