Economic analyses of pesticide usage on red peppers (Capsicum) in Hatay Province in Turkey and determination of production cost

This study was conducted to determine red pepper production economics and pesticide usage in Hatay. The data was collected from 91 pepper producers by using the face to face interview survey method. Among enterprises within the research, pepper production is one of the most important income sources and it has a 39,85% share in their total income. Pesticide average usage is 12.42 gr/ha and includes the following: 6720 gr/ha of insecticides, 700gr/ha of acaricides, and 5000 gr/ha of fungicides. Pesticides expense has a 13,91% share in the total production cost. Producers are aware of the environmental damage caused by pesticide usage but they don't believe they have any alternative options. Average pepper production is 149,4 kg/ha with a profit of 2040 $/ha.