Evaluation of Losses in Cherry Production: A Case Study of Izmir

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the causes of losses in cherry orchards. The research was carried out in Kemalpaşa district of İzmir province, which was an important cherry production center. An approach has been followed to evaluate the losses in cherry production both technically and economically. For this purpose, face-to-face surveys were conducted with 102 cherry producers and the data of the research were obtained from these surveys. The 5-point Likert scale was used in determining the participation of the producers in the judgments about losses in cherry production. The reliability of the data obtained with the Likert scale was tested with the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine whether there is a difference between the groups for continuous variables that do not have normal distribution. For discrete variables, whether there is a statistical difference between the characteristics of producers and enterprises and losses was determined by Chi-Square Analysis (Independence Test). According to the research results, producers' views on losses in cherry production focus on seasonal factors and incorrect cultural practices at different stages of production. On the other hand, the opinions received from the producers for the solution of the current problems were mostly focused on training studies and labor costs. Adequate and inefficient producer organization in the region also adversely affects the technical and economic aspects of production. It is anticipated that the technical and economic information flow required by the producers will increase with the activation of the organization and thus will create positive results on the losses.