Analysis of Resource-use Efficiency in Monsoon and Spring Rice Production in Nepal

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the profitability and resource-use efficiency of rice production during monsoon and spring season in Chitwan district of Nepal in view to increase the rice production and food security. Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was followed to select a sample of 287 rice growing farmers selected randomly comprising 132 monsoon and 155 spring rice growers from the study area. The primary data collected through direct interviewing the sample farmers. The data was analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Gross margin and cobb-douglas production function analysis were used to calculate the profitability and resource use efficiency, respectively in producing rice during two seasons. Results: The finding of this study revealed that rice production was more profitable during monsoon season. Cobb-douglas production function analysis showed that land, organic manure, potassium fertilizer and human labor, contributed significantly to the output of monsoon rice. Similarly, spring rice production was contributed significantly by land, seed, potassium fertilizer, human labor and irrigation. Rice growers of both seasons were in the second stage of the production function and were found inefficient in using the available resources. Organic manures, potassium fertilizer and human labor were over utilized and land was under-utilized in monsoon rice production. For spring rice, land and seed were under-utilized and potassium fertilizer, human labor and irrigation were over utilized. Conclusion: This study verified that appropriate adjustment is required for optimum allocation of resources that maximizes the revenue from the monsoon and spring rice production and also secures the domestic food supply.