Determining the Technical Efficiency of Potato Farms and Influencing Factors in Bamyan Province

Abstract

Considering the limitation of resources in agriculture, the need to shift the method of higher productivity through increasing inputs into improving the technical efficiency is becoming more important. Since potato production is one of major agricultural activities in Bamyan province which supports the livelihood of the majority of the peasant community and more thane50% of the country’s total potato production is produced here, the province has the most prominent position compared to other provinces in this regard. The current study aimed to determine the technical efficiency of potato farms and the influencing factors in Yakawlang district and Bamyan center. The required were collected using stratified sampling method by filling questionnaires with 286 potato farmers in 2019. To determine the technical efficiency of potato production, Cobb- Douglas stochastic frontier production function along with inefficiency function were applied. The results showed that the inputs such as area under cultivation, labor force, amount of seed, amount of DAP fertilizer and animal manure had positive and significant effects on potato production. The mean of technical efficiency was 71.5% varying from the lowest of 26.9% to the highest of 92.7% was calculated. the inefficiency model also revealed that the variables marital status, living area, meeting with the extension workers year-round and satisfaction from the sale method of potato had positive effect on the level of technical efficiency of potato farmers. Based on the results, the qualitative and quantitative betterment in extension training programs coupled with DAP fertilizer and animal manure can be the managerial measures.