Economic Evaluation of Almond Farming. The Case of Adiyaman (Turkey)

Abstract

Almond consumption is constantly increasing due to its nutritious properties. Almond production is unable to meet the growing demand in Turkey and therefore the import is done. The almond growing in Turkey, which is one of the oldest fruit species in Anatolia, is becoming increasingly important. Almonds grown in all regions except the Eastern Black Sea coasts are noteworthy for the increase in production in Southeastern Anatolia Region. Adiyaman province, which is one of the provinces of the region, has come to the point of almond growing in many respects for studying. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the existing almond growing potential of Adiyaman. The potential in almond growing of Kahta, one of the districts of Adiyaman, is in the scope of this study, as well. In the study, benefiting from Turkey's Statistics Institute data, analysis and comments have been made In addition, almond cultivation data were obtained from producers and evaluated. Using the statistical data of TSI between the years 2009-2018, the area where almond is grown, the number of bearing and non   bearing trees, yield and production amounts has been determined and the increase rates during the period have been calculated. Almond production area in Adiyaman increased by 35 times and amount of production increased by 26 times during the ten years examined. These values are higher in Kahta district. If these developments in almond cultivation continue, it is foreseen that it will make significant contributions to the national economy, increase in income and employment, and decrease in imports and gain foreign currency saving.

Keywords: Almond growing, almond production, Adıyaman, Kahta

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-18-05

Publication date:September 30^th 2019