Production and Marketing Problems of Tomato Producers and Quit of Tomato Production: The Case of the Central District of Tokat Province

Abstract

The cultivation areas and production amount of tomatoes, which are important in economic terms and are included in plant production, are decreasing every year. In this study, which examines the problems of producers in the production and marketing of tomato production, which requires intensive and high cost, the situation of abandonment in tomato cultivation was also examined. In the province of Tokat, 76 tomato producers in the villages of the center were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. It has been observed that the producers, who are considered to be among the active working population, have 25 years of experience in tomato cultivation and their education level is at primary school level. While the biggest problem of tomato producers in production is disease and loss of product, the biggest problem in marketing is low price and price instability. It has been determined that 49% of the producers have given up on tomato cultivation. The reasons for the producers to give up on tomato production are; Because it is not profitable, the product disease is that the product is a marketing problem and the input costs are high. In line with the results of the research, it can be suggested that the producers organize a seminar course on the disease. It can be suggested to develop a policy on price stability and most importantly to establish a product marketing cooperative so that an important measure should be taken to protect both the product and the price.