Effects of Covid-19 pandemic on agri-food production and farmers

Atnan Uğur,Tuğba Buruklar

doi:10.1590/fst.19821

Atnan Uğur, Tuğba Buruklar

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.19821

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Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected agriculture and various industries. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on agri-food production. The data for this descriptive study were collected from those working in agriculture industry in Konya province of Turkey in between 15/12/2020 and 30/12/2020. These data were collected by a survey form prepared by the researches in line with the existing literature. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test was used to analyze the data. In the research area, it was also found out that median educational status was secondary school graduation and generally the incomes exceeded the expenses. 1.3% of the participants were diagnosed with Covid-19. Increase in production costs, price instability and difficulties in working and recruiting workers and shrinkage in markets were frequently mentioned by those dealing with dry farming, irrigated farming and vegetable and fruit growing respectively. As income level increased, the level of those worrying about the harvest and sales, experiencing difficulties in agricultural products and food and having problems for supply of production materials also increased. Governments should take measures to take the sting out of the pandemic and they should develop policies/strategies supporting sustainability of agricultural production.

Highlights

Epidemics and pandemics are threats deeply affecting human life and bringing deathly consequences
The average age of the agricultural laborers participating in the survey is 53.95 ± 14.92 and 91.3 of them are male. 55.3% of agricultural laborers are primary school graduate; 68.7% of them have incomes exceeding their expenses; 72.0% have nuclear families; 55.3% deal with dry farming; 90% is grower and 72.7% predominantly work in summer (Table 1)
1.3% of those participating in the research were diagnosed with Covid-19 and 74.7% had acquaintances diagnosed with the disease. 86% of those participating in the research received information on Covid-19 and source of this information was visual media for 48.1 of the participants

Summary

Introduction

Epidemics and pandemics are threats deeply affecting human life and bringing deathly consequences. USA, India and Brazil take the first three places in terms of number of cases. These countries are responsible for 45.36% of total cases and 37.20% of death toll. 1.558.777 Covid-19 cases and 23.664 relevant deaths were stated in Turkey (World Health Organization, 2021). This virus significantly threatens those having cardiovascular and chronical lung diseases and death toll increases day by day (McDonald et al, 2020)

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