Is Flax a Chance for Rural Areas in the Middle Black Sea Region? Profitability Analysis and Feasibility

Abstract

This study was carried out to reveal the feasibility of fiber flax cultivation as a profitable production activity in the Middle Black Sea Region and whether it can be an alternative product to winter wheat. The main materials of the research were the production data of fiber flax grown under farmer conditions in the trial areas in 3 locations in Sinop and Samsun provinces during the 2019-2020 production period. Flax production costs and profitability were calculated separately for the locations of Elifli village in Bafra district of Samsun province, Tasmanli village of Sinop province central district and Sokucayiri village of Sinop province Ayancik district, and then compared with the average wheat production cost of Samsun and Sinop provinces. It was determined that variable costs constitute the largest share of the costs in all of the locations examined in the study. Approximately 89% of the total expenses in Sokucayiri village in Ayancik district of Sinop province, 83% in Tasmanli village in the central district of Sinop province and 81% in Elifli village of Bafra district in Samsun province consist of variable expenses. It was also observed that the enterprises in Sinop province central district Tasmanli village and Samsun province Bafra district Elifli village could cover all the production costs, while the enterprises in Sokucayiri village of Ayancik district in Sinop province cannot cover even the variable costs of production. As a result of the research, it was determined that fiber flax production, which is partially or entirely mechanized, is more profitable than the wheat grown in the region. After covering all their expenses, the enterprises made a net profit of 715.3 TL da(-1) in the Tasmanli village of central district in Sinop province and 533.2 TL da(-1) in the Elifli village of Bafra district in Samsun. It was determined that farmers growing flax fiber by hand made a loss. Therefore, it was suggested that all processes should be done with mechanization for high efficiency, and profitability in fiber flax cultivation, as well as cultural practices should be paid attention.