A Survey on Irrigation Practices of Olive Growing Farmers in Akhisar and Saruhanli Districts of Manisa Province

Abstract

Olive cultivation is commercially practiced especially in Eagen Region of Türkiye. There are several factors effecting olive yield and quality such as climate, soil structure, topography, soil tillage, weed control, pruning, hoeing, spraying, fertilization and irrigation. This study investigated the irrigation practices of olive growers in the Akhisar and Saruhanlı districts of Manisa province and examined the region's irrigation structures, irrigation-related problems, and proposed solutions. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 150 farmers and 10 business owners engaged in olive cultivation with similar standards. It has been determined that irrigation conditions have a positive effect on vegetative and generative development (about 90%) of olive trees, fruit set and size increase, awareness of farmers about the importance of irrigation has been raised (around 85%), and irrigation practices have increased the economic value of olives along with yield and quality (approximately 88-90 %). The most common problems encountered with the irrigation systems used by farmers are the high costs of facility installation and energy. Producers should be informed and encouraged to participate in the grant support program implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and to benefit from zero-interest pressurized irrigation credit support provided by the Agricultural Bank of Türkiye and Agricultural Credit Cooperatives.