Labor in Cherry Production: Problems and Solution Proposal

Abstract

Cherry is one of the fruits consumed all over the world with its taste and nutritional properties. It is one of the priority products in terms of domestic consumption and export in Turkey. Cherry production is a common agricultural activity in mountainous regions that requires intensive labor. In this study, data on the role of labor force in cherry production, occupational safety problems encountered and problems within the scope of qualified labor force were evaluated. Solution suggestions for these problems are discussed. Opportunities for precision agriculture techniques in the cherry production sector, where labor force is predominantly used, especially pruning, harvesting, selection and packaging, were investigated. In cherry harvesting, it is necessary to collect it by hand with precision and meticulousness, as it is a delicate fruit. It requires planning components that require qualified labor capacity in large groups during the short harvest season. Common cherry rootstocks and cultivars in Turkey are in the classical and wide-crowned form. This situation makes harvesting and pruning difficult. Until there is mechanization