Philippine E-Journals

PRODUCTIVITY AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF RICE FARMERS IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

Mila T. Benabise | Fredisminda M. Dolojan | Marissa B. Hernando

 

Abstract:

The study analyzed the factors affecting rice productivity and technical efficiency in Quirino province. This study developed a production model based on the Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production model across six municipalities in Quirino province. The triangulation approach was used in gathering the data needed. This approach involved personal interviews with the rice farmers through the aid of questionnaires: inspection of secondary data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) (masterlist of rice farmers, rice production, prices of output and inputs); and observation to validate information gathered from the interview guide. Results under irrigated system revealed positive output-input relationship in all variables such as seeds, labor, nitrogen content of fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticide used in farming. The negatively signed and significant variables considered in the IEM tend to lessen technical inefficiency of irrigated farms. The number of trainings received, irrigation from National Irrigation Administration (NIA), tenure (owned), and topography (flat) proved

to be significant in lessening technical inefficiencies in farms. The overall technical efficiency of all farms under irrigated system was recorded at 0.82 and 0.80 during dry and wet season respectively. Technical efficiency index found out to be higher during dry season as compared on wet season. Significant difference in the yield level was obtained between the two farming systems. In irrigated farms, average yield obtained was 4.48 mt/ha which was 0.86 mt/ha higher than the average yield attained in rainfed areas at 3.60 mt/ha.