Agricultural activities, problem and solution suggestions in Hankendi Plain (Elazığ)

Plains in our country are important residential areas where people meet their shelter and nutrition needs. In addition, these plains serve as natural resources with fertile agricultural lands and are areas where agricultural activities are carried out. The Khankendi Plain is located in the Murat River basin. The Khankendi Plain is an important region for agricultural production and is used as a land where various crops are grown. The plain is in an ideal location for agricultural production due to its suitable climatic conditions for agricultural activities and the presence of underground water resources. Various agricultural activities such as grain production (wheat, barley, corn), vegetable and fruit cultivation, viticulture are carried out in this region. The research area is the agricultural production area where the plant production process continues and is suitable for agriculture in terms of natural environment potential. However, some problems arise from natural and human resources in this process. This study deals with agricultural activities, problems and solutions in Elazig Hankendi Plain. The research holistically evaluates the natural, human and economic factors that are effective in the realization of agricultural activities. The relationship between the conditions of the natural environment and agricultural activities is analyzed and the human factor is discussed in line with the effects of agricultural activities on population and settlement. The general land use situation of the Khankendi Plain and the place and importance of agricultural activities are presented in detail. Agricultural activities and their problems and solutions are discussed in detail. It is observed that agricultural activities are carried out in almost all of the field. Among the problems experienced in agricultural activities of the Khankendi Plain are the inefficient use of water resources, the lack of modernization of irrigation systems, the migration of the population to the city center, environmental pollution, fragmentation of agricultural lands, misuse of agricultural lands, insufficient capital, unconscious use of pesticides and fertilizers, insufficient government support to farmers. There are issues such as the instability of marketing and prices, the inadequacy and dysfunction of agricultural cooperatives, the use of wrong products, the use of mechanization and technology in the agricultural sector. However, various measures should be taken to protect the agricultural potential of the Khankendi Plain and to implement sustainable agricultural practices. Steps such as effective management of water resources, improvement of irrigation techniques, promotion of organic agriculture and the use of modern technologies in agricultural production are important for the sustainability of agricultural activities in the plain. Cooperation and awareness-raising activities between local governments, farmers and relevant stakeholders are important in order to preserve the agricultural potential of the Khankendi Plain, to ensure environmental sustainability and to increase efficiency in agricultural production. Fertile agricultural lands were opened for development in the Khankendi Plain. Zoning should not be given to areas with fertile agricultural lands. Dry farming should be done in the areas where irrigation facilities are insufficient in the Khankendi Plain. Irrigated agriculture should be done in areas where water resources pass. In this way, the Khankendi Plain can play an important role in the sustainability of agricultural production and contribute to the regional economy. In this respect, in this study, these problems are discussed and solutions are offered.