Agricultural production and international trade analysis of competitiveness between natural and conventional dyes in the textile industry.

This study examines the competitiveness of natural dyes compared to conventional dyes in the textile dyeing industry, with a specific focus on agricultural production and international trade. Traditionally used in textile dyeing, natural dyes offer more sustainable processes that are less harmful to both the environment and human health. However, the introduction of synthetic dyes during the Industrial Revolution led to a significant decline in the use of natural dye plants, which became marginalized in industrial applications. In recent years, growing environmental concerns and a shift toward sustainable consumption have revitalized interest in natural dye plants, signaling a broader transition toward eco-friendly practices in the textile sector. Economically, natural dye production supports local communities and contributes to rural development. This research identifies seed types with high dye compound content and yield, focusing particularly on madder cultivation. While madder can produce up to 6,710 kg per hectare, this study uses a more conservative estimate of 5,000 kg per hectare for its calculations. Madder adapts well to diverse soil types, including infertile lands where cereals fail to grow. The study compares the average market value of madder production with that of selected cereal crops in Turkey, highlighting its agricultural efficiency and export potential. Through economic analysis, the study evaluates the production performance and trade share of natural dye plants and provides policy recommendations to promote the adoption of sustainable dyeing methods in the textile industry.