The General Structure of the Agricultural Sector and Agricultural Support Practices in Çanakkale Province: A Case of Paddy and Canola Production

Abstract

The agricultural sector is among the most supported sectors globally due to its numerous characteristics. Çanakkale province, due to its agricultural production value and product diversity, is among the leading provinces in the country. This study examines the agricultural structure of Çanakkale province and analyzes the agricultural supports in detail. In this context, the study focuses on rice, which ranks 4th in terms of production quantity nationwide, and canola, which ranks 6th. In the conducted research, it was determined that the unit price of premium support in real terms decreased significantly. The study also revealed that the unit price of diesel and fertilizer support and certified seed use support increased in real terms. In the study, it was found that 75% of rice producers and 66% of canola producers found the unit price of the premium support insufficient. Moreover, 82% of rice producers and 78% of canola producers expressed that they found the unit price of the fuel and fertilizer support insufficient. Furthermore, 85% of rice producers stated that the unit price of the certified seed use support in rice production was also insufficient. In the research conducted, the premium support showed that 3.42% of the production value in paddy and 24.51% in canola. Fertilizer support per unit area can cover only 2.91% of the fertilizer cost in paddy and 3.88% in canola. In the study the calculated rates for diesel are determined as 25.49% in paddy and 15.34% in canola production. However, it is determined that the rate of covering the seed cost of certified seed support is 7.47% in paddy and 19.22% in canola production. The study has shown that the premium support given in paddy and canola production should be determined by taking into account the share of the product income. In addition, the research conducted has revealed that the unit price of diesel and fertilizer support and certified seed use support in paddy and canola production should be determined by taking into account the ratio of meeting the input costs. The research demonstrated that the unit prices of the supports were insufficient and must be determined on a real basis considering the inflation rate.