Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 24 ISSUE 2
Written by Şinasi AKDEMIR, Ufuk GÜLTEKIN, Kasım Eren TUNA, Issaka Saidou ISMAILLA, Aziz MAVRUK, Hüseyin ÖZBEK

This research is aiming to illuminate the socio-economic and operational dynamics of reaper-thresher ownership in Adana and to provide valuable insights for future strategic planning in the sector. The primary data for this research were gathered through 6 face-to-face interviews with combine harvester operators in Adana. Constraints such as operators' hesitancy, time limitations, budget constraints, and their dispersed locations in various villages hindered the possibility of conducting a larger number of surveys. Moreover, considering the limitations mentioned, secondary data from sources such as the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) and other relevant research reports were incorporated. Survey data collected between January and February 2024 underwent thorough analysis using techniques including cross-tabulation, statistical analysis, and regression analysis. The result of regression analysis indicates significant relationships between variables such as total area harvested, harvest price, and annual repair and maintenance expenses, and combine harvester profitability. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing harvesting revenues and their impacts on stakeholders. The explanation rate of these variables for the dependent variable (R square) is 99.3%. Since tolerance is greater than 0. 0 and VIF is less than 0, there is no multiconnection problem. The findings reveal a predominant demographic profile of combine harvester owners, consisting largely of young and middle-aged individuals with varying levels of education, often continuing family traditions in agriculture. These operators typically operate small-scale agricultural enterprises, deriving most of their income from agricultural production. Through analysis it was found that the age ranges and education levels of the participants vary. While the age distribution varies between 20 and 5 , the education level varies from primary school to master's/doctoral degree. The majority of the participants have a nuclear family structure and there is an average of 5 members in their families. The land holdings are generally below 00 decares. Additionally, the majority of respondents own a combine harvester, and this is often due to family business tradition. There are participants who have other sources of income other than harvesting. However, agricultural production is often the main source of income. The share of combine harvesting income in total income is generally high. The majority of participants want to continue harvesting and recommend it to new producers. However, there is dissatisfaction on some issues such as the appointment system of the Soil Products Office and the supply of workers. Harvest start time is usually in May, and the majority of combine harvester owners adapt to the specific requests of landowners. These special requests usually relate to mowing speed and tillage. The findings reveal significant information that will contribute to the development of agricultural mechanization strategies in the Adana region.

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