African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

Technical efficiency of fenugreek production in the semi arid region of Rajasthan, India: A stochastic frontier approach

S. Kumar
  • S. Kumar
  • Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute Research Centre Bellary (KA)-583104, India.
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A. Raizada
  • A. Raizada
  • Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute Research Centre Bellary (KA)-583104, India.
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H. Biswas
  • H. Biswas
  • Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute Research Centre Bellary (KA)-583104, India.
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R. Kumar
  • R. Kumar
  • Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (UK)-248195, India.
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  •  Received: 12 December 2013
  •  Accepted: 10 October 2014
  •  Published: 10 November 2014

Abstract

This paper examines the technical efficiency of fenugreek production in Rajasthan and also identifies key variables affecting technical efficiency using primary data collected from 120 randomly selected fenugreek cultivating farmers by applying a stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). The results obtained in an empirical model indicated that mean technical efficiency of all categories of farmers was 70%. This suggests that still there is scope for increasing the output by 30% with the same level of input uses. Small farmers were found to be more efficient in terms of judicious and timely application of irrigation and fertilizers as well as reaping more yields. Around 50% of the farmers attained a technical efficiency more than 80% because of employing the uniform cultivation practices. The results of the technical inefficiency effects model suggest that age, education and contact with extension agencies positively influenced technical efficiency of fenugreek cultivation.  

 

Key words: Cobb-Douglas production function, fenugreek cultivation, semi-arid region, stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), technical efficiency.

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