Current status of walnut cultivation in Bingöl province

The aim of this research is to determine the profitability of walnut growing enterprises in Bingöl province by conducting economic analysis, to determine the production and marketing problems encountered in walnut growing and to develop solution proposals for these problems. The main material of the research consists of primary data collected through a survey conducted with a total of 134 walnut growing enterprises in the center and districts of Bingöl province. The data used belong to the 2024–2025 production period. According to the research results; the average age of walnut producers participating in the survey was determined as 61.24. It was concluded that the majority of the walnut producers surveyed (61.2%) were primary school graduates. The average agricultural experience of the producers was determined as 37.21 years, and the average walnut production period was determined as 15.85 years. It was determined that the average walnut orchard in the surveyed enterprises was 12.25 decares and the number of trees was 232.24. It was determined that walnuts were generally harvested in September-October in the examined enterprises, harvest loss occurred due to climate conditions and wild animals, and the average harvest loss was 158.53 tons. It was determined that only walnuts were consumed by the family on average as self-consumption. It was determined that an average of 241.53 tons of walnuts were sold and the average sales price was 132.02 ₺/kg. In the examined enterprises, the statements of the producers were taken as basis and the production and marketing problems were determined as; information, inadequacy of support, water problem, tool and equipment problem, high input costs, disease and pest problem, low yield, worker problem and climate conditions. In the examined walnut orchards, average walnut yield per decare was calculated as 136.32 kg, Gross Production Value was 17996.96 ₺/da, total variable costs were 2161.86 ₺/da, total production cost was 3545.88 ₺/da, and gross profit was 15835.10 ₺/da. In the examined enterprises, net profit was calculated as 14451.08 ₺/da, proportional profit was 5.07 ₺. Walnut cost was 26.01 ₺/kg, shelled walnut sales price was 132.02 ₺/kg, gross profit of 1 kg walnut was 116.16 ₺/kg and net profit of 1 kg walnut was calculated as 106.00 ₺/kg. As a result; It has been concluded that the business and the business owner are successful in terms of positive gross and net profit values and that walnut production is beneficial and that the businesses carry out walnut production cost-effectively when the cost of 1 kg of walnut is analyzed in the businesses. As a result of the information and support to be received from the relevant institutions and organizations on walnut cultivation, walnut cultivation will continue to be a profitable investment for Bingöl with conscious and correct practices.