An economic analysis of open-field melon (Cucumis melo L.) production in Cankiri province of Turkey

S. Kurtluk, H. Yilmaz, V. Demircan

Abstract: The melon traditionally has been one of Cankiri’s best known produce items. The aim of this study is to make an economic analysis of melon grown in open field by determining the production cost and return in Cankiri province of Turkey. The data used in the study were obtained from 87 local melon growers using a questionnaire. The farms were chosen by random sampling method. The results revealed that labor and machine power used were 231.60 and 27.60 h ha-1 in melon production period, respectively. Average production costs was 2320.60 $ ha-1. Gross profit, net profit and relative return were found to be 1261.25, 1024.23 $ ha-1, 1.44, respectively. This study showed that melon production is profitable in the study area. As a conclusion the growers should continue to focus more attention on open-field melon production. In addition farmers should take necessary steps to improve production efficiency.

Keywords: economic analysis; melon; production cost; return; Turkey

Date published: 2019-10-16