Analysis of Factors Affecting Potato Growing Decisions of Farmers: The Case of Ödemiş District of İzmir Province

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the potato growing decisions of the farmers in Ödemiş district of İzmir province. In the study, data were collected from 90 farmers by proportional sampling method and face-to-face survey method. The production period of 2019 was included in the scope of the study. In the analysis of th,e data, first the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers were examined, then the criteria that the farmers gave importance to in their potato production decisions and the economic aspects of potato production were analyzed. Five-point Likert scale and Fuzzy Paired Comparison method were used in the analysis of farmers decisions. According to the results of the study, the average age of the farmers is 52.49 years and the average education period is 8.29 years. The most important criterion in potato production is price. Average potato production area is 4.19 hectares. The average yield obtained from potato production per hectare was determined as 38,758 kg. Average potato price received by the farmer was 1.43 TL kg. The average net profit from potatoes per hectare was calculated as 22,720 TL. Farmers want to sustain potato production. For this, effective potato policies should be prepared, farmers should be supported and Turkey should be self-sufficient in potato production.