Vegetable Production Data and Its Economic Importance in Iğdır Province

Abstract

Consumption of sufficient variety and amount of vegetables, which contain a significant amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for a balanced diet, is very important for maintaining a healthy life. Vegetables are useful in many ways such as maintaining a healthy digestive system, losing weight, protecting body against diseases and being heart-friendly. 50.42% of world vegetable production in 2018 was yielded in China(549 million tons) and 11.78% in India (128 million tons) while 2.17% (24 million tonnes) in Turkey, ranking fourth in the world. In this study, the amount of vegetable production, the changes in the price and the level of contribution to the provincial economy were investigated in Iğdır provinces and districts between 2008-2019. In 2019, 0.28% (88 701 tonnes) of total vegetable production in Turkey (31 089 644 tons) and 0,22% ($ 19.8 million) of total production value ($ 9 034 million) was generated in Igdir. 6.28% (5 568 tons) of vegetable production in Iğdır Province in 2019 was produced in Aralık District, 18.74% (16 626 tons) in Karakoyunlu District, 72.52% (64 327 tons) in Central district, and 0.62% (555 ton) in Tuzluca District. Between 2008-2019, vegetable production amount decreased by 4.23% and production value decreased by 51.83% in Iğdır. The decrease in vegetable production amounts and prices negatively affects the contribution of vegetable production to both producers and the regional economy. In order to increase the income level of the agricultural producer of the region, it is necessary to investigate solutions for increasing the amount and value of vegetable production in Iğdır Province.