Determination of the Sustainability Levels of 'Siirt' Pistachio Farms

Abstract

This study aims to assess the sustainability levels of farms growing 'Siirt' pistachios in T & uuml;rkiye. The research is based on primary data collected from 130 producers through stratified sampling during the 2021 production year. A composite sustainability index was developed to evaluate the economic, social, environmental, and overall sustainability of these farms. A total of 22 sustainability indicators related to 'Siirt' pistachio cultivation were determined by factor analysis and weighted using the analytic hierarchy process based on expert opinions. The economic and social sustainability indices of 'Siirt' pistachio enterprises were both 0.36, the environmental sustainability index was 0.28, and the general sustainability index average was 0.35. These findings show that the sustainability level of 'Siirt' pistachio agriculture is low. To ensure sustainability in 'Siirt' pistachio farms, irrigation infrastructure should be strengthened, producer organization encouraged, and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques expanded.