TÜRKİYE'DE TARIM İSTATİSTİKLERİ: GELİŞİMİ, SORUNLAR VE ÇÖZÜM ÖNERİLERİ (original) (raw)
In this study, the history and current status of agricultural statistics compiled and published in Turkey, is examined. In this context, the evolution of agricultural statistics, the General Census of Agriculture, General Livestock Census, Current Agricultural Statistics in Turkey and their definitions are described. Moreover, the role of statistics in the EU Accession Process is assessed. After that, the methods used agricultural statistics and related academic studies have been analyzed, estimation methods for livestock statistics have been proposed and the incidence of problems caused biased statistical data on the National Income accounts are assessed. In this study, current situation in both compilation and processing of the agricultural statistics are identified. Considering the EU Accession Negotiations, especially livestock statistics are evaluated and institutional and methodological caveats in compilation and processing of data are discussed. Accordingly, there are very significant miscalculations in the livestock statistics, especially for red meat and leather production as pointed out by the EU. Prices used in TUİK's for the production value calculations, are not compatible with the market prices, for this reason livestock and agricultural production values do not show the real level. These calculations are not taken in to the consideration in the allocation of agricultural supports from budget, in the macro-level and agricultural policies, livestock and agricultural production value and finally in the calculation of Gross Domestic Product. As a result, calculated statistics have to be verified using alternative methods. The methods which have been used in calculation of Current Agricultural Statistics and National Accounts have to be harmonized with respect to both EU regulations considering their coherency. The developments in the sector have to be reflected accordingly to the National Accounts. Besides, a department has to be established in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs specialized is only agricultural statistics. This unit has to work together in coordination with TUIK. Additionally, by giving particular attention to infrastructure of agricultural statistics, necessary legislative, administrative and institutional arrangements have to be done and being consistent with the compilation and processing of data. Hence, agriculture sector could be fully registered.