A Study on the Evaluation of the Socioeconomic Effects of Sugar Factories: A Case of Kastamonu

Abstract

Since the first periods of the Republic, great importance has been attached to the industry in Turkey. One of the most important of these is sugar factories. The sugar adventure, which started with the first opened Uşak and Alpullu Sugar Factory, continued with the Kastamonu Sugar Factory opened in 1963. In this study, it was aimed to examine the socioeconomic effects of sugar beet agriculture and sugar production on Kastamonu. For this purpose, the survey method, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in addition to the field studies carried out in the factory and district centers (Center, Devrekani, Tosya, Taşköprü and Seyçiler). With the questionnaire applied to 127 randomly selected farmers, it was aimed to measure the parameters such as the path followed by the local farmer in sugar beet production, the problems experienced, earnings, sowing and harvesting. Within the framework of the meeting held with the factory representative, information was provided about the works at the factory, privatization and the general situation of the farmers interested in sugar beet farming. According to the findings, sugar production in Kastamonu province is important in terms of creating a livelihood for the farmer and employment. In addition, the migration of the young population negatively affects the number of farmers in the region. The increase in fixed costs in production affects the farmer negatively. In particular, the regulation of input costs can be suggested as the main factor that will positively affect the yield in sugar beet.