Effects of Technology Development and Mechanization on Agricultural Production in Qazvin Province

Subject Areas : Agricultural Economics Research

A. پرهیزکاری ¹ (دانشجوی کارشناسی ارشد اقتصاد کشاورزی دانشگاه زابل)
M. صبوحی ² (دانشیار اقتصاد کشاورزی دانشگاه زابل)

Received: 2014-05-13 Accepted : 2014-05-13 Published : 2014-02-20

Keywords: Positive Mathematical Programming, technology, Regression, yields, Qazvin,

Abstract :

In present study, in order to investigate the effects of technology and mechanization on agricultural production in Qazvin province, first trend of using fertilizer, pesticides and mechanization during the period of 2001-2011 was reviewed. Then, by using regression analysis, impact of technology and mechanization on yields of major products in Qazvin province was investigated. Later, through entering the results of the regression analysis in Positive Mathematical Programming model (PMP), effects of 10 percent increase in fertilizer, 15 percent decrease in pesticides and 20 percent increase in machine work-hours on yields and farmers’ gross margin were determined. Results showed that mechanization had positive effect on yields of major crops. Under the scenario, wheat and barley acreage decreased by 3.5 and 1.6 percent respectively compare to the base year while acreage of the other products increased from 2.5 percent for corn to 12.8 percent for sugar beet.  Also farmers' gross margin in above scenario increased by 29.7 percent compared to the base year. Finally, government support through extending loans to farmers for purchasing machinery was recommended