Technical efficiency of rice production in terai district of Nepal

Abstract


 This paper aimed to estimate the technical efficiency of rice production, also identifying the factors affecting technical efficiency. Jhapa, the Terai district of Nepal, having the highest rice production in the country, was purposely selected for the study. The primary information was collected from 100 rice growing farmers, randomly selected from the sampling frame, using the pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. Also, two Key Informant Surveys were done. Besides, the secondary information was collected by reviewing the related literatures. Descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier model with Cobb-Douglas production function, and tobit model were used for data analysis. The stochastic production frontier model revealed that with the increase in seed, chemical fertilizer, human labor, and tractor power by 1 percent, the rice yield increases by 0.25 (P<0.05), 0.15 (P<0.01), 0.13 (P<0.05) and 0.21 (P<0.01) percent respectively. The average technical efficiency of the rice growing farmers in the study area was estimated 92%; in addition, majority of the farmers (62%) were operating at an efficiency level of 0.91- 0.95 followed by 32% at 0.86- 0.90. The tobit regression model revealed that farming experience (P<0.01), membership of the organization (P<0.01), and major occupation being agriculture (P<0.05) have statistically significant and positive on technical efficiency; while, schooling years (P<0.05) and number of economically active family members (P<0.05) have statistically significant but negative effect. There is still scope to increase the rice yield through efficient use of available resources with existing technologies.

Does Education and Farming Experience Affect Technical Efficiency of Rice Crop Growers? Evidence from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…The estimated 0.369 coefficient for labor working hours was positive and highly significant (α= 0.000), ranked as the highest among all the other coefficients which revealed that a 1 percent increase in the labor hours raised the rice yield roots by nature and according to Arora et al (2019) it requires intensely ploughed soil to enter the feeding zones and get the desired amount of water, minerals and other nutrients easily. The results for tractor hours are in coherence to that of Subedi et al (2020), Bempomaa et al (2014), Ali and Munir (2014) and Reddy and Sen (2004). The coefficient estimated for weedicides and pesticides revealed that increase in the chemicals' application had a positive and significant effect of 0.06 percent on rice productivity.…”

Technical efficiency of wheat growing farmers of Nepal

“…Irrigation assists plants to absorb nutrients available in the soil which increased production (Abbas, 2012). Likewise, Fatima (2010) revealed that several irrigations applied to the wheat crop had a positive impact on wheat production. Furthermore, Hussain et al (2012) in Pakistan found that irrigation application had a positive effect on wheat productivity.…”

Biochar and Azolla Effects on Soil Chemical Properties, Lead Content and Growth of Paddy

“…The Azolla sp application improved nitrogen (15-20%), potassium value (16 %), and cation exchange capacity (2-3 %) from soil-contaminated Pb. Subedi & Shrestha (2015) stated that the application of Azolla has been found to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and the microbial population of the soil. Azolla application treatments with doses 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g kg -1 soil in all incubation times at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks simultaneously increased the value for soil N (Awodun, 2008).…”