Insecticide usage on potato cultivating; The case of Erzurum province in Turkey

This study aims to determine the cost share of insecticide application in potato cultivating in Pasinler County, Erzurum Province. The research data was derived from 95 questionnaires conducted in 9 villages Pasinler County in 2004. The study results show that all producers were using insecticides on potato cultivation areas. The average potato production per farm was 26.06 tonnes. The chemical application cost was $4.43 per decare and the cost was 1.78% in variable costs and 1.69% in total cost. In the potato farms, on the average, 342.5 kg seed, 100.74 kg chemical fertilizer and 80.46 kg manure were used. Per kilogram potato cost was calculated as $0.14, the mean gross margin and net profit was calculated as $-19.87 and $-60.89 per decare, respectively. Unfortunately, potato production is profitable if only chemicals are used at a certain level in the area. For economically sustainable production, it is necessary either to increase amount of chemicals in order to increase yield, or to increase the sale prices of potato. It has been concluded that the cost of insecticide used in this region is low relative to other areas in the country and potato production in the study area can be considered as environment friendly.